The snap election called by Theresa May to shore up her majority in the run up to Brexit has delivered a hung parliament instead – and lost a local government minister his seat.
Former housing minister Gavin Barwell lost his Croydon Central seat, which he held on a 165 majority, in a night that saw other high profile figures including former Liberal Democrat leader Nick Clegg and former SNP leader Alex Salmond lose their seats.
Mr Barwell, who wrote a book on how to win a marginal seat, received 24,221 seats to Labour candidate Sarah Jones’ 29,873 – giving her a majority of 5,652.
His departure will be a blow to the Department of Communities and Local Government’s housing plans.
Cabinet Office minister Ben Gummer and Department of Health minister Jane Ellison also lost their seats as voters voiced their dissatisfaction with Brexit and public sector austerity.
On Friday morning, the BBC reported that prime minister Theresa May has 'no intention of resigning'.
Transport secretary Chris Grayling retained his seat, as did ministers Andrew Jones, Paul Maynard and John Hayes.
Former transport minister Lord Ahmad has become a minister in the Foreign Office.
On the Labour team, shadow transport secretary Andy McDonald has kept his seat as has shadow transport minister Daniel Zeichner.
What happens under a hung parliament? (BBC website)
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