TORY leader William Hague dramatically quit today after his party suffered a humiliating defeat as Labour won an historic second landslide victory.

Mr Hague decided to go as he admitted the results across the country had been "deeply disappointing" for him and his party.

He said: "No man is more important than the party. It is vital for leaders to listen and parties to change."

Shadow Chancellor Michael Portillo emerged as early favourite to take over from Mr Hague.

Tony Blair left the Conservatives trailing a long way behind on a night when the British people delivered a resounding 'no' to William Hague.

It was also a night, however, when the electorate stayed away from polling stations in their millions, with the lowest turnout across the country since 1918.

As he grasped the reins of power again a jubilant Mr Blair promised to use every day of his term to "work and struggle for people in this country".

"The bigger the majority, the bigger the responsibility on us to do it well," he said.

Early today Labour was on course for a majority of 167 -- just 12 down on their 1997 advantage.

It is the first time in the 100 years that the Labour Party has secured a second successive term in office.

It was also a successful election for Charles Kennedy's Liberal Democrats, who looked set to take at least 50 seats, compared to 46 last time.

Meanwhile in East Lancashire there were no shocks, with all of the sitting MPs retaining their seats.

In Burnley, where Labour's Peter Pike held on to his seat, the right wing British National Party notched a big success, recording more than 4,000 votes. And in Pendle victorious Gordon Prentice warned the Labour Party needed to change its approach after such a poor turn out of voters.

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