Shock exit poll leaves May's future in doubt

Prime Minister Theresa May and her husband Philip leave after casting their votes in the General Election at a polling station in the village of Sonning, Berkshire. PRESS ASSOCIATION Photo. Picture date: Thursday June 8, 2017. See PA story ELECTION Main. Photo credit should read: Jonathan Brady/PA Wire

THERESA MAY's future as Prime Minister was hanging by a thread tonight as it appeared her snap general election gamble could have backfired.

Forecasts published as polls closed tonight suggested the election was too close to call.

The results of the national exit poll, which has proved highly accurate in recent elections, pointed to the Conservatives remaining as the largest party but short of the 326 seat victory line.

The Conservatives were on track to win 314 seats seats, a loss of 17 compared to the result just two years ago.

Mrs May called the election asking voters to give her a personal and clear mandate to lead Britain through the Brexit talks which are due to begin within days.

But the prospect of emerging from the election with a smaller Conservative majority or even a hung parliament left the Prime Minister contemplating leaving Downing Street after less than a year in the role.

The initial findings of the exit poll shocked Conservative figures whi had spoken privately in recent days of gains of up to 25 seats across the North of England.

Defence Secretary Michael Fallon said it was “very early” and insisted it remained the “right” decision to ask the British people to give the party a clear mandate for Brexit talks.

Former Liberal Democrat leader Sir Menzies Campbell said the exit poll suggested Mrs May’s attempt to build a large Conservative majority had “simply exploded”.

Asked about the approach the Conservatives’ opponents would take in the event of a coalition, Sir Menzies said the Lib Dems had “had our fingers burned by coalitions”.

Green Party leader Caroline Lucas said she “hardly dare belive” the forecast.