Election 2024 Unfolded: Pro Guide to Key Timings and Cabinet Cliffhangers

Tracking the General Election Outcomes Like an Expert – Essential Times to Be Aware Of

When can we expect to learn the outcome of the election? Are there any Conservative cabinet members at risk of losing their positions? Sky News breaks down the crucial schedules as the election results pour in through the night.

Journalist specializing

Friday, July 5, 2024, at 12

Voting has ended in the election, and the process of tallying votes is currently underway.

Initially, the outcomes begin to arrive slowly. However, as time progresses, the rate increases.

Election 2024: Latest developments indicate a sweeping victory for Labour, according to exit polls.

We anticipate the majority of the votes to be tallied by approximately 4am.

Which are the crucial moments to be aware of?

For an optimal viewing experience, it is recommended to use the Chrome browser.

10 o'clock

The latest exit survey suggests that the Labour Party is poised to secure a decisive victory with a 170-seat majority.

Explore further: Track the outcomes here

The exit survey gathers information nationwide to project the results of the election.

Typically, their predictions are quite accurate regarding the final outcome, though there is a small discrepancy in forecasting the exact seat distribution among the parties.

11:30 PM

Typically, it's the districts in the North East that report their results earliest.

Houghton & Sunderland South became the first to announce.

This is the constituency of Bridget Phillipson, the shadow education secretary, who secured her reelection to Parliament and is expected to assume a governmental role.

1:00

It is anticipated that a few additional seats will be confirmed by 1am.

We'll begin to understand the current situation and determine if the exit poll generally reflects the truth.

It is anticipated that the Basildon and Billericay constituency will be a win at this stage, with Conservative Party chairman Richard Holden running for office there after moving from his previous constituency in Durham.

Traditionally a stronghold for the Conservatives, a recount here would signal significant challenges for the party.

Two in the

Four hours post the polling stations' closure, we might get an insight into the performance of the Red Wall.

The election results for both the Redcar and the Middlesbrough South and East Cleveland constituencies are anticipated to be announced by that time.

These regions symbolize the diverse group of constituents that Boris Johnson attracted in the 2019 election, and they will reveal whether these voters have continued to support the Conservative Party.

If that is not the case, then neither Jacob Young nor Simon Clarke will be returning to Westminster as Members of Parliament.

We will also receive insights on developments in Scotland.

Constituencies such as Rutherglen and Hamilton, along with Clyde Valley, were expected to announce results, with Labour anticipating a resurgence in its influence in Scotland.

The SNP, on the other hand, is banking on the hope that the recent scandals haven't eroded the substantial backing that has made them the dominant political force in Scotland since 2015.

3:30 in the morning

By now, over 100 seats should have been announced, giving us a clearer sense of the election's outcome.

We will find out the precision of the exit poll, the political hue of the upcoming administration, and perhaps even a hint of its majority size.

We may begin to see significant figures in the cabinet losing their seats as the outcomes from Godalming and Ash (where Chancellor Jeremy Hunt is running) and Portsmouth North (where Penny Mordaunt is a candidate) are anticipated.

Here are the key seats to watch:

• Bristol Central: The Green Party aims to defeat Labour's shadow culture secretary Thangam Debbonaire in the upcoming election.

• Carmarthen: Plaid Cymru could potentially secure the constituency of Conservative chief whip Simon Hart

• Chiche: The Liberal Democrats are poised to seize the parliamentary seat of Education Secretary Gillian Keegan.

• In Chingford and Woodford Green, the experienced Conservative candidate Sir Iain Duncan Smith is facing competition from both Labour and an independent candidate, Faiza Shaheen.

• Fareham and Waterlooville: Suella Braverman's Constituency – experiencing a significant rise in support for Reform, according to a recent poll.

• In the Forest of Dean, Labour may unseat Transport Secretary Mark Harper.

• Great Grimsby and Cleethorpes: This area is highlighted in our Target Towns series – Sky News delves deeply into the election, focusing on the Lincolnshire constituency. Sarah-Jane Mee will be on-site to deliver the results live as they unfold.

• In Godalming and Ash, Chancellor Jeremy Hunt is contending with the Liberal Democrats.

• Islington North: Can Jeremy Corbyn secure his parliamentary seat as an independent candidate, or will the Labour Party keep control?

• In Portsmouth North, Penny Mordaunt faces a critical challenge in retaining her seat and her aspirations for Conservative leadership, as she contends with strong opposition from Labour.

• Rochdale: George Galloway aims to retain his position after securing the seat in an earlier by-election, following Labour's withdrawal.

• In Welwyn Hatfield, long-time media figure and current Defence Secretary Grant Shapps is anticipated to be defeated by a Labour candidate.

4:30 in the morning

At this stage, it is probable that the identity of the next government is clear, following the declaration of most of the 650 parliamentary seats.

The election outcome for Rishi Sunak's constituency (Richmond and Northallerton) is anticipated shortly. Historically, no sitting prime minister has ever been defeated in their own constituency during an election. Should this occur to the present prime minister, it would represent an unprecedented event.

Here's what you should watch for:

• In the constituencies of Aberdeenshire North and Moray East, there's a possibility that Scottish Conservative leader Douglas Ross might face defeat. He was a late replacement candidate, stepping in for a colleague who fell ill.

• Ashfield: Lee Anderson, previously a Labour councillor and Conservative MP, is now aiming to retain his Midlands constituency under the Reform party banner.

• In Boston and Skegness, Reform party leader Richard Tice is contesting the seat, aiming to defeat the incumbent Conservatives.

• Braintree: This constituency is represented by Home Secretary James Cleverly, who is anticipated to retain his seat against the Labour challenger. Should he fail to do so, it could signal significant difficulties for the Conservative Party.

• In Brighton Pavilion, Green Party hopeful Sian Berry aims to retain the party’s sole parliamentary seat, previously occupied by Caroline Lucas who is not seeking re-election.

• Clacton: Nigel Farage could potentially secure his first parliamentary seat after seven previous attempts.

• Devon Central: Labour may unseat Mel Stride, a prominent supporter of Sunak and cabinet member.

• Holborn and St Pancras: This area is a stronghold for the Labour Party, represented by Sir Keir Starmer. Mark Austin is on location to monitor the activities of the man who is likely to become the next prime minister.

• Richmond and Northallerton: This is the electoral district of Prime Minister Rishi Sunak. A Conservative defeat in this area would indicate significant troubles for the party, and Anna Botting will be providing continuous updates all night.

• In Somerset North East and Hanham, Jacob Rees-Mogg faces a challenging electoral battle to maintain his seat in Parliament due to recent boundary adjustments and voting predictions, with Labour posing a significant threat.

6 in the

Unless there are numerous recounts, which could still happen, we expect most of the vote tallying to be completed by now.

Constituencies such as Victoria Prentis's Banbury, Johnny Mercer's Plymouth Moor View, and Liz Truss's Norfolk South West are anticipated to declare their results around this time, potentially leading to unexpected defeats or impressive recoveries.

Departing and newly elected Members of Parliament will have completed their farewell or introductory addresses, and the party leaders will make their way to London.

For an enhanced viewing experience, we recommend using the Chrome browser.

7 in the

Sophy Ridge, the lead politics presenter, along with Sam Coates, the deputy political editor, are set to helm Sky News' political coverage, starting from the evening shift.

Sky News analyst Adam Boulton will be on hand to provide his analysis of the election outcomes.

We're set for an early morning segment of Politics at Jack and Sam's along with special episodes of Electoral Dysfunction and the Sky News Daily podcast.

Late morning

Should the Conservatives face defeat, it is expected that Rishi Sunak will declare his resignation, most likely delivering a statement outside Downing Street before making his final departure and proceeding to Buckingham Palace to officially step down.

At this stage, Sir Keir Starmer would proceed to the palace to receive an invitation from the King to establish a government. Following this, he would return to Downing Street and speak to the gathered press.

Should Rishi Sunak maintain his position at Number 10, he will speak to the press assembled outside Downing Street before returning to his duties. Under these circumstances, it is probable that Sir Keir would be the one issuing a statement of resignation.

Stay ahead with the latest Breaking News

Download the Sky News application at no cost

Stay informed about the newest developments both in the UK and internationally by tuning into Sky News.

Late Friday afternoon

No matter the outcome of the election, it is expected that a new cabinet will be formed.

On Friday afternoon, it is anticipated that MPs will be heading to Downing Street for a scheduled meeting where the prime, minister is expected to request their participation in the new administration.

Associated Subjects

Sky News Bottom Section

Information About Sky News

Services Provided by Sky News

Sky Television Networks

Additional Sky Websites