General Election 2015: What happens after the election?

A hung parliament looks likely, so what are the potential outcomes?

A single party has to win a minimum of 325 seats in order to win a majority. If none does so, like happened in 2010, Parliament is considered “hung” (Getty)

1. Labour “confidence and supply” government

Ed Miliband would get agreement from the SNP or Lib Dems (or both) to support Labour in votes on confidence and the budget.

The cost to Miliband

Would have to agree extra cash for schools and agree sweeping extra devolution to Scotland.

Advantage

Allows government to plan ahead without the constant threat of losing a confidence vote.

Disadvantage

Leaves Labour at the mercy of smaller parties pressing for big changes to its legislation as well as his own MPs disillusioned with concessions.

Miliband would do a formal deal with the Lib Dems, including the allocation of ministerial posts to Nick Clegg’s party.

The cost for Miliband

Having to compromise over key plans – notably his economic strategy.

Advantage

Assuming Labour and the Lib Dems can muster a majority, it allows Miliband and Clegg to present a five-year programme.

Disadvantage

Miliband would face anger from left-wingers over dealing with Clegg, while Lib Dems would worry about alienating right-leaning supporters.

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3. Labour minority government

Ed Miliband would depend on the support of SNP, Lib Dems and other minority parties on a vote-by-vote basis.

The cost to Miliband

Permanently living on the edge.

Advantage

Avoids wrangling between parties. Labour would argue that smaller parties face the wrath of the voters if they force a second election.

Disadvantage

Daily instability with the government facing the constant threat of defeat. Miliband could face a backlash over the influence being wielded by the SNP.

 

4. Conservative minority government

David Cameron would have to rely on the support of Lib Dem and DUP MPs, as well as any Ukip MPs.

The cost for Cameron

The permanent threat of Commons defeat.

Advantage

Allows him to put forward a Tory Queen’s Speech and challenge other MPs to vote it down. He would ask Lib Dem, DUP and Ukip MPs whether they fancied a second election.

Disadvantage

Permanent threat of Commons chaos combined with dealing with anger on Tory benches that he has failed to win a majority.

5. Tory “confidence and supply” government

David Cameron would ask for support from the Lib Dems, the eight or nine DUP MPs and any Ukip MPs in confidence and budget votes.

The cost for Cameron

Would have to promise the Lib Dems that Tories would find extra money for education and slow welfare cuts.

Advantage

The markets would welcome this, and the Tories would have some breathing-space as a defeated Labour Party turns inwards.

Disadvantage

Almost every vote would leave the Tories vulnerable to defeat by a Labour-Nationalist alliance.

The Liberal Democrats have said they would only enter another coalition if Cameron softens his stance on human rights and benefit cuts (Getty) (Getty Images)

6. A Tory-led coalition

David Cameron would offer the Lib Dems a repeat of the last five years with seats at the Cabinet and a new Coalition Agreement. If the numbers are very tight, he could try to bring in the DUP.

The cost for Cameron

Major concessions to the Lib Dems.

Advantage

Mr Cameron has been comfortable with Coalition since 2010 and it allows him to plan for five years.

Disadvantage

Right-wing MPs would fume at a fresh deal with the Lib Dems. Nick Clegg might struggle to keep his party on board over for a second time.