David Cameron confirms second term as prime minister

During a dramatic morning, David Cameron reached 325 seats to win an overall majority and claimed the scalp of his three main rivals: Ed Miliband, Nick Clegg and Nigel Farage. The events officially gave him an unchallenged mandate to govern.

The Camerons spent just over 20 minutes with the Queen leaving a few minutes before 1pm. As they left, the Prime Minister walked his wife round to her side of the car where a footman opened the door before taking his seat on the other side.The were again followed by a broadcaster’s helicopter which stayed overhead until they reached Downing Street.

Speaking outside Downing Street he said he he would be a proud to lead a majority Conservative government after his party won the general election. “We will govern as a party of one nation. One United Kingdom.”

Mr Cameron said he had “always believed in governing with respect”, promising to implement further devolution to Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland. “Governing with respect means ensuring the nations of our United Kingdom have their own governments as well as the United Kingdom government. Both are important.

“And indeed with our plans, the governance of these nations will become powerful with wider responsibilities.”

On Ed Miliband

Earlier in the day Labour leader Ed Miliband confirmed his resignation, telling his supporters he was “truly sorry” that he was unable to lead them to victory. His announcement came after Liberal Democrat leader Nick Clegg and Ukip’s Nigel Farage announced they were standing down in the wake of one of the biggest general election shocks since the Second World War.

On the matter, Mr Cameron added: “Elections can be bruising clashes of ideas and arguments and a lot of people who believe profoundly in public service have seen that service cut short.

“Ed Miliband rang me this morning to wish me luck with the new Government. It was a typically generous gesture from someone who is clearly in public service for all the right reasons. The government I led did important work. It laid the foundations for a better future and now we must build on them.

“I truly believe we are on the brink of something special in our country. We can make Britain a place where a good life is in reach for everyone who is willing to work and do the right thing.”