UK has first hung parliament since 1974; Clegg backs Tories

Britain has its first hung parliament in decades with the Conservatives the largest party.

The Tories have won 290 seats so far but cannot reach the 326 needed for an overall majority.

Gordon Brown, who spoke overnight of being "proud" of Labour's record, is understood to be keen on starting coalition talks with the Liberal Democrats, who had a "disappointing night" according to leader Nick Clegg.

However, Clegg said he "stuck by" his view the party with the biggest mandate - in terms of votes and seats - should have the right to seek to govern first.

"It seems this morning, that it's the Conservative Party that has more votes and more seats though not an absolute majority.

"I think it's now for the Conservative Party to prove that it's capable of seeking to govern in the national interest," he said.

Conservative leader David Cameron said it is clear Labour has "lost its mandate to govern the country".

Speaking after holding his Witney seat, he said his party was "ready to bring strong, stable, decisive leadership to our country", according to the BBC.

At 11.30am, the Conservatives have 291 seats, Labour 251 while the Liberal Democrats won 52.