Timeline:
Election day Thursday 8 June British Time/Friday 9 June NZT.
Polling stations open from Thurs 7am to 10pm BT/Thurs 6pm – Fri 9am NZT.
First exit poll at 10pm BT/Fri 9am NZT.
First seat to declare usually Sunderland before midnight BT/Fri 11am NZT.
If it’s a straight result for one side expect that by 3am or 4am BT/Fri 2pm or 3pm NZT.
A close result might mean no result that day BT.
How the UK election works:
Wikipedia on the 2017 election
Formation of a government following a general election
Usually the political party that wins the most seats in the House of Commons at a general election forms the new government and its leader becomes Prime Minister.
If no party wins a majority of the seats, a situation which is known as a ‘hung Parliament’, then the largest party may form a minority government or there may be a coalition government of two or more parties. The Prime Minister appoints ministers who work in the government departments, the most senior of these sit in Cabinet.
What happens in a hung Parliament?
The previous government might remain in position whilst there is a period of negotiation to build a coalition, or they might decide to try and govern with a minority of Members of Parliament.
If the incumbent government is unable to command a majority and decides to resign, the leader of the largest opposition party may be invited to form a government and may do so either as a minority or in coalition with another party or parties.
Does the party with the most seats form a Government?
In order to form a Government, a party must be able to command a majority in the House of Commons on votes of confidence and supply. This majority can include support from other political parties, whether or not there is a formal coalition arrangement.
In a situation of no overall control the Government in power before the General Election gets the first chance at creating a government. If they cannot do so, the Prime Minister will resign.
Does the Prime Minister have to resign?
The Prime Minister only has to resign if it is clear that they cannot command a majority of the House of Commons on votes of confidence or supply. This would be the case if the incumbent government fails to make a deal with one or more of the other parties, or if they lose a confidence motion in the House of Commons. The first parliamentary test would be the vote on any amendment to the Queen’s Speech.
Update,
Update, BBC live tracking of seats won by party, and explanation of what happens with a hung parliament.
Reuters infographics of seat results, exit polls, and the historic election results for comparison.
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