The Tories are projected to win an outright House of Commons majority – or close to one, at least – with Labour losing a slew of key battleground constituencies.

Labour’s night appeared to be over before it had begun after BBC’s exit poll – but at least they had something to shout about at the Manchester Velodrome.

The results of today’s general election for Wythenshawe and Sale East, and for Broughton and Blackley, were announced at the Manchester tennis centre just before 4.30am today.

Nuttall, who secured a majority of just 325 from Labour’s James Frith, said he believed the win was down to his record as MP.

Against the back drop of a disastrous night for Labour in Scotland, Michael Meacher has retained the seat in Oldham West and Royton that he has held since 1997.

After winning his fifth term as Labour MP for Bury South Ivan Lewis has said he plans to continue in his role as Shadow Secretary of State for Northern Ireland post-election.

Andy Burnham has secured his seat in Leigh, with a majority of 53.65% an increase over the 48% he gained in 2010.

It is difficult to tell what people are most nervous about at the National Tennis Centre — a Conservative win, Katie Hopkins staying in the country, or that the humble coffee supplies will run out before the count is over.

He secured his fourth term as MP for Leigh with 53.65% of the vote – up from the 48% he received in 2010.

Pirate Party leader Loz Kaye believes Ed Miliband’s Labour campaign has lacked a ‘compelling alternative’ as momentum appears to favour the Conservatives this morning.

Exit polls by the BBC and YouGov put Conservatives ahead of Labour by 77 and 21 seats respectively, but Mr Burnham remains optimistic.