Who won the 2017 general election?

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2017 was one of the most bizarre elections in UK political history.

As the 2019 race to power comes to a close, here’s a look back at what happened two years ago as the Tories lost their majority.

Labour supporters celebrate as Thangam Debbonaire wins the Bristol West constituency

Who won the 2017 General Election?

Although the Tories won the election, they lost their majority.

Here are the number of seats each party won:

Conservative (Theresa May) – 318 seats

Labour (Jeremy Corbyn) – 262

Scottish National Party (Nicola Sturgeon) 35

Liberal Democrats (Tim Farron) 12

Democratic Unionist Party (Arlene Foster) 10

Sinn Fin (Gerry Adams/Michelle O’Neill) 7

Plaid Cymru (Leanne Wood) 4

Green Party (Caroline Lucas/Jonathan Bartley) 1

UK Independence Party (Paul Nuttall) 0

Other parties 1

So the Tories took the most seats, but failed to gain an overall majority, failing eight short of the minimum 326 required.

Alex Salmond has gained independence from Westminster after losing his seat
Alex Salmond gained independence from Westminster after losing his seat

Which parties were the winners and losers?

While the Conservatives won the most seats (and around 49% of the popular vote), they finished 12 seats down on the previous election.

Significantly, the party lost its overall majority a disastrous result given that Theresa May voluntarily called the election.

However, the Scottish Tories increased their number of MPs north of the border from just one to 13.

Labours total of 261 was up 29 on 2015 and significantly better than anyone had predicted, certainly when the election was called in April, but they’re still in opposition.

The Lib Dems finished with 12 seats four up on 2015 but former leader Nick Clegg lost in Sheffield Hallam.

The Scottish Nationalist Party finished with 19 fewer seats, with former first minister Alex Salmond among the casualties.IndyRef2 is now looking unlikely.

It was a bad night too for Ukip, who failed to win any seats. Leader Paul Nuttall subsequently resigned.

Theresa May confirmed that she’s staying put in an address from outside No.10

How did the Tories remain in power?

The Conservatives managed to hold on toa minority government, thanks to the backing of the Democratic Unionist Party.

The Tories won 318 seats leaving them eight short of an overall majority.

Their arrangement with the DUP was not a formal coalition, as the Tories had with the LibDems in 2010.

Speaking outside No.10, Prime Minister Theresa May said: We will continue to work with our friends and allies in the Democratic Unionist Party in particular.

Our two parties have enjoyed a strong relationship over many years, and this gives me the confidence to believe that we will be able to work together in the interests of the whole United Kingdom.