According to the experts, the Conservatives might not have won this election
- Text by Michael Segalov
- Photography by Theo McInnes
Exit polls are not accurate. They get things wrong a lot of the time. But they’re the best indicator we have, by far, of what the UK Parliament come the end of this long night might look like.
This election was called by Theresa May entirely needlessly, a vanity project to increase her majority for no other reason at all. Now, it seems say the experts, that this might have been the biggest own goal in political history. It seems that it’s possible that Theresa May will no longer have a majority in Parliament. The Conservatives will not have the numbers to continue their rule. That’s if this data is correct.
Right now the exit poll projection suggests these results as the final seat tally:
Conservative 314
Labour 266
SNP 34
Lib Dem 14
Plaid 3
Green 1
UKIP 0
Other 18
If that’s correct, the Tories have lost their majority. It’s true to say on paper the Tories will have still won the election – they’re the largest party by a chunk. But what’s important to note is that before the election the Conservatives had 330 seats, giving them a tight, but workable majority in the House of Commons. If this is correct, then they won’t, and that’s huge.
Moreover this would be nothing short of a miracle for Labour. Six weeks ago going into this election, most pundits talked of a Tory majority of between 70 and 100 seats – close to Thatcher’s greatest parliamentary advantage.
As I say though, this is still all speculative. It’s going to be a long night.
Enjoyed this article? Like Huck on Facebook or follow us on Twitter.
Latest on Huck
Is the UK ready for a Kabaddi boom?
Kabaddi, Kabaddi, Kabaddi — Watched by over 280 million in India, the breathless contact sport has repeatedly tried to grip British viewers. Ahead of the Kabaddi World Cup being held in Wolverhampton this month, Kyle MacNeill speaks to the gamechangers laying the groundwork for a grassroots scene.
Written by: Kyle MacNeill
One photographer’s search for her long lost father
Decades apart — Moving to Southern California as a young child, Diana Markosian’s family was torn apart. Finding him years later, her new photobook explores grief, loss and connection.
Written by: Miss Rosen
As DOGE stutters, all that remains is cringe
Department of Gargantuan Egos — With tensions splintering the American right and contemporary rap’s biggest feud continuing to make headlines, newsletter columnist Emma Garland explains how fragile male egos stand at the core of it all.
Written by: Emma Garland
Photo essay special: Despite pre-Carnival anxiety, Mardi Gras 2025 was a joyous release for New Orleans
A city celebrates — Following a horrific New Year’s Day terror attack and forecasts for extreme weather, the Louisiana city’s marquee celebration was pre-marked with doubt. But the festival found a city in a jubilant mood, with TBow Bowden there to capture it.
Written by: Isaac Muk
From his skating past to sculpting present, Arran Gregory revels in the organic
Sensing Earth Space — Having risen to prominence as an affiliate of Wayward Gallery and Slam City Skates, the shredder turned artist creates unique, temporal pieces out of earthly materials. Dorrell Merritt caught up with him to find out more about his creative process.
Written by: Dorrell Merritt
In Bristol, pub singers are keeping an age-old tradition alive
Ballads, backing tracks, beers — Bar closures, karaoke and jukeboxes have eroded a form of live music that was once an evening staple, but on the fringes of the southwest’s biggest city, a committed circuit remains.
Written by: Fred Dodgson