The final tally of seats was Conservatives 365, Labour 258, Liberals 6.

It was also a personal victory for Prime Minister Harold Macmillan, affectionately known as Supermac, who was leading his party in a general election for the first time.

He increased his majority by more than 2,000 votes in his Bromley constituency, the highest in his whole political career.

"Whatever is the result of an election, we must try to emphasise the fundamental unity of our people and not exaggerate the differences which divide us, important as they are," he said.

"This election has shown that the class war is obsolete."

He also said the nation should use its "growing economic strength" to work towards world peace, a reference no doubt to the upcoming East-West summit involving the United States, France and the USSR.

Labour's 'setback'

During the campaign, the Tories asked the electorate who should represent Britain at the peace conference - "Do you want Supermac or Labour's less experienced Hugh Gaitskell?"

Mr Gaitskell, who conceded the election at 0100 GMT, said in a statement: "We have suffered neither a landslide nor a disaster, but a setback."

He added: "We have attacked, and on this occasion, we have been repulsed. We shall attack again, and again, and again until we win."

Jo Grimond, leader of the Liberal party said, "The results today emphasise the general swing to Liberalism."

Mr Macmillan took over as prime minister in 1957 after Sir Anthony Eden was forced out over his handling of the Suez crisis.

When he entered Number 10, Labour were 13 points ahead in the opinion polls and by the time the election was called the Conservatives enjoyed a seven-point lead.

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