* Well over half of the 650 seats have reported. Opposition Conservatives have 173, ruling Labour 133, Liberal Democrats 26. Most show swing in vote to Conservatives but, if repeated nationally, many not of sufficient size to give the party an overall majority. LibDems appear to have failed to bank a surge in opinion poll ratings through the month-long campaign.
* Exit poll suggests no party to win overall majority. Conservatives forecast to win 305 seats, Labour 255, Liberal Democrats 61. 326 needed for majority, leaving even Labour and LibDems in coalition short of required number.
* Andrew Hawkins, chairman of pollsters Comres, says: "I still think the exit poll is a good guide … certainly it’s looking a lot more accurate now than it felt when it was first published."
* Conservative leader David Cameron says Labour has lost its mandate to rule. Earlier, a Conservative spokesman said if the exit poll was correct, "it would provide a basis to govern". * Prime Minister Gordon Brown would try to form coalition with Liberal Democrats in event of hung parliament, Labour party source says although Brown’s spokesman says there is "no settled position" on any coalition talks.
* UK equity futures tumble and gilt futures soar after heavy falls in U.S. equities overshadow early election results.
* Hundreds of British voters stuck in queues outside polling stations were unable to cast their ballot and police were called to calm angry crowds in several areas, officials said.
