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The race for 10 Downing Street is on. As polling stations close an exit poll suggests Tony Blair is on his way to an historic third term in power, but with a reduced majority.

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Ballot boxes are rushed to counting stations around the country.

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As in the previous three elections the first constituency to declare is Sunderland South, its result being announced at 2243 BST. It's a hold for Labour with Chris Mullin re-elected as MP.

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In Scotland counting is under way at Macduff Town Hall in the Banff and Buchan constituency.

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Liberal Democrats at the Commonwealth Club in London celebrate another victory as the election unfolds.

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John Burton, Tony Blair's agent, watches the results come in from around the country as he waits for the declaration in the prime minister's constituency of Sedgefield.

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Scottish National Party leader Alex Salmond is re-elected in Banff and Buchan with an increased majority. Salmond says "I think it's shaping up as a pretty good night for the SNP."

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Despite a swing away from Labour, Prime Minister Tony Blair is set to win the election with a majority of over 60.

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Liberal Democrat leader Charles Kennedy celebrates with his wife Sarah and new son Donald after retaining his seat in the constituency of Ross, Skye and Lochaber.

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George Galloway leads his Respect party to victory over Labour's Oona King to take the seat of Bethnal Green and Bow.

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Conservative party leader Michael Howard increases his own majority in his constituency of Folkestone and Hythe, but concedes defeat in the election to Tony Blair.

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As dawn arrives Tony Blair returns to Downing Street having won an historic third term in government for Labour but with a drastically reduced majority.

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In another twist, David Trimble, leader of the Ulster Unionist Party in Northern Ireland steps down after loosing his seat to the DUP who strengthen their position.