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OUR experts have weighed in on a seismic night in politics in a live Never Mind the Ballots election special.

While analysing the night's biggest stories, Political Editor Harry Cole discussed how Reform had taken just four seats on 14.3 per cent of the vote.

The Sun's election results special with Harry Cole
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The Sun's election results special with Harry ColeCredit: Ian Whittaker
Polling expert Scarlett Maguire from JL Partners said a Tory and Reform merge is now possible
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Polling expert Scarlett Maguire from JL Partners said a Tory and Reform merge is now possible
Reform UK leader Nigel Farage wins his first seat as MP for Clacton
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Reform UK leader Nigel Farage wins his first seat as MP for ClactonCredit: Reuters

Scarlett Maguire, director of polling firm JL Partners, said there is now huge pressure on the Tories to merge with Reform.

While Political Correspondent Noa Hofman argued Nigel Farage will be a thorn in the side of every party.

Scarlett was asked if the Conservative Party would be able to compete with Reform.

She replied: "I think that's one of the things we started to hear over night.

"There's going to be four of them and they are quite big personalities in Parliament.

"The Tory leadership contest might well be very drawn out. You might even see some people go over sooner."

Reform won four seats, with Farage joined by former Tory Lee Anderson, party chairman Richard Tice and former Southampton FC chairman Rupert Lowe in being elected to Parliament.

After winning in Clacton, Farage said "we're coming for Labour, be in no doubt about that".

Noa added: "Nigel Farage will shake up the Commons. He'll be a thorn in the side of every party.

"I think there are elements of Reform's policies that appeal to voters across the board."

Tory big beasts fall in General Election wipeout as ex-PM Truss, Rees-Mogg, Shapps AND Mordaunt lose their seats

Sir Keir Starmer declared "we did it" after a Labour landslide put him on course to be the next prime minister.

At a victory rally in central London, Sir Keir said the country could now "get its future back".

On a historic night:



But Scarlett argued: "About 80 per cent of Britain won't have cast a vote for Labour."

Tory leader Rishi Sunak conceded defeat after a "sobering" night for his party which saw predecessor Liz Truss and a record 11 Cabinet ministers lose their seats.

At his acceptance speech after being re-elected in Richmond and Northallerton, Mr Sunak said: "I take responsibility for the loss."

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The result is likely to trigger a fresh round of infighting within the Tory party as MPs scramble to replace Mr Sunak, who is expected to resign in the wake of the defeat.

In Wales, the Tories were wiped out, while in Scotland Labour were rampant.

Sun political reporter Noa Hoffman and polling expert Scarlett Maguire
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Sun political reporter Noa Hoffman and polling expert Scarlett MaguireCredit: Ian Whittaker
Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer speaks to supporters after a landslide win
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Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer speaks to supporters after a landslide winCredit: PA
Rishi Sunak reacts as he waits for the declaration for Richmond and Northallerton
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Rishi Sunak reacts as he waits for the declaration for Richmond and NorthallertonCredit: AFP
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