British Prime Minister Theresa May has struck a deal with the opposition Democratic Unionist Party of Northern Ireland to form a coalition government following the flop her party recorded in yesterday's general election.
May is expected to visit Queen Elizabeth II to seek permission from the British monarch.
A blow for May
The result of the poll indicates the conservatives will secure just 314 of the 650 in the lower house of the UK’s parliament, the House of Commons. The Labour Party which is the main opposition party is expected to secure 266 seats.
This would translate to a loss of 17 seats for the Conservatives while the Labour Party gains 34 seats. The Scottish National party is tipped to increase its number of seats to 34 compared to 22 in the last election.
In the British Parliamentary system, If a party secures 326 seats in the House of Commons, its leader automatically becomes prime minister and would form a government.
British Pounds declined after poll
The exchange rate of the British Pound has fallen by more than 1.6% since the results of the exit poll was publicized.
A situation where no party could secure majority seats is called a Hung Parliament and could lead the country into political controversy thereby creating a scenario for forming a coalition government.
The result of the exit poll seems humiliating for May, who’s campaign began with healthy ratings – several polls gave her party 20 point ahead when she ordered for the election.
Though exit polls in the UK are not official results, but they have proved to be accurate in the past.
Predictions of success for Conservatives became more moderate as the party’s campaign began losing strength following a series of mistakes.
May's controversial policy
May came under criticism for her controversial policy on how and who should foot the cost of care for the elderly, and for her conduct as Home Secretary, a position she occupied for close six years during the administration of former Prime Minister David Cameron.
The poll indicates the conservative will get only 314 of the 650 seats in the British House of Commons, the UK’s lower house of Parliament.
The main opposition Labour Party is predicted to secure 266 seats.
This would be a loss of 17 seat for the Conservative while the opposition Labour Party trailing with 34 seats. The Scottish National Party is also suggested to take a hit, securing 34 seats.