What do you think of Labour's victory?

The Labour Party has won the 2005 general election, but with a greatly reduced majority.

This is a fourth page of your comments on Labour's victory in the general election.

What is your reaction to the election result? What should be the new Labour government's priority? Send us your comments using the form on the right.

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The following comments reflect the balance of opinion we have received so far:

The real losers today are the Conservatives Dave, Sunderland

This is a glorious day for all Labour supporters, as they have managed to achieve a "normal" sized majority in their third consecutive term, which any PM should be rightly proud of. The real losers today are the Conservatives.
Dave, Sunderland

Now is the time for a radical rethink of the voting system used in this country. Democracy is ill-served when a party polling 36% of the vote can still have a large overall majority.
Richard Lowe-Jackson, Oldham

I am so thrilled George Galloway won - at last we have an MP who based his campaign on integrity and honesty.
Izzy, Bow, East London

How boring. Where were the real issues - Europe, pensions, the enviroment, transport?
John Oborn, Isle of Wight

In rural areas it is more the fact that Labour are seen to represent the urban (relatively wealthy) majority, than the Iraq war, that has told against them.
Stella Huyshe, East Devon, UK

Tony has big plans for the G8 presidency and the proposed aid package for Africa looks impressive. Don't let me down, it's the reason I voted for you!
Kim, Bromley

I am very, very angry. As is two-thirds of the population! Zak Ireson, Norfolk

I am very, very angry. As is two-thirds of the population! A ridiculous situation... do you think Jamie Oliver could do a TV show about how unjust our "democratic system" is?
Zak Ireson, Norfolk

I find it staggering that 64% of the electorate voted for other parties and only 36% for Labour yet they still rule the country for a further five years! From a leader that never stops going on about bringing democracy to the world, maybe he should first look at the voting system in this country - it's so unfair.
John Clarke, Wakefield West Yorks

Very happy with the result. Now maybe Mr Blair will listen to the people and realise that he can't just do what he wants to.
Labena Moheuddin, Staffordshire

A reduced majority will be good for the country. This time round Labour will have to pay more attention to the electorate.
Daniel, Coalville, UK

When is somebody going to really get to grips with climate change? The election coverage has been fascinating, but the elephant seems to remain firmly in the corner of the room, ignored and undiscussed.
Lydia Duddington, Exeter

A Tory leader with an intelligent policy could have won W Oliver, Oxford

Labour supporters must thank Howard. A Tory leader with an intelligent policy could have won.
W Oliver, Oxford

If Michael Howard is now stepping down as leader on the basis that he would be 'too old' for the next election, then surely the same is true if he had won and become Prime Minister?
Andy Jones, Halesowen West Midlands

If Iraq hadn't happened, Labour would have slaughtered the opposition - so much for a Tory recovery or three party politics.
Neil, Chelmsford

The election ignored the biggest threat to the country - climate change. When will politicians, and the people of this land, realise how this one issue will affect our lives in a very profound way?
Colin Shaw, Hope Valley, Derbsyhire

It was my first time voting and I'm a bit confused. How can 63.8% of the country vote against Labour, yet they still get in? A review of the system seams to be required!
Rachel, Brighton

Has anyone realised that Labour have lost the popular vote in England? Brian, London

Has anyone realised that Labour have lost the popular vote in England? (Labour on 7,959,919 and Conservative on 7,986,393). A Tory victory! With devolution, this means Labour do not have a popular or democratic mandate to govern England.
Brian, London

It will be interesting to calculate the popular vote for England, as it seems that the Conservatives have a majority in England. On any issues relating to England, this suggests that the government does not have a mandate.
Jim Patterson, Slough, Berks

Just heard Michael Howard is to stand aside. Why? He's done such a good job when Labour only got in by the narrowest of margins. This country needs Michael Howard.
Vikki, Devon

I am appalled that a country so outraged by the actions of Tony Blair - to the extent that a million people turned out in protest against the war - have still allowed him to walk back into Number 10. What happened to consistency and standing up for what you believe in?
Felicity Webster, Hertfordshire

Electoral reform is essential Nigel Law, Ilkley, West Yorkshire

Electoral reform is essential. Labour won 36.2% of the vote, but got 353 seats, whereas the Liberal Democrats won 22.7% of the vote and got just 62 seats. With proportional representation, the seats would have been Labour 240, Conservatives 221, Lib Dem 151.
Nigel Law, Ilkley, West Yorkshire

Blair is getting punished like Churchill was after WW2. Both will long be remembered as statesmen along with Margaret Thatcher.
Mike Taylor, Melbourne

It is a sad day for hard working, single people, the environment and pensioners. However it is a good day for illegal immigrants, travellers, yobs and general layabouts.
Keith, Essex

Whatever your view you are free to express it without fear of persecution. This is what true democracy is about. With VE 60 fast approaching, it is worth remembering the sacrifices that were made to preserve this basic right.
Paul Ruffle, Westgate on Sea

All the parties were losers last night Ben, Bristol

So all the parties are claiming a victory of sorts. The reality is that all the parties and politics in general were losers last night because it is obvious they failed to engage the public and disinterest won a majority.
Ben, Bristol

I'm 16 years of age. What is the point of having a government which is supposed to be building for a better future (my generation) when we aren't allowed to vote and have our say in our own futures?
Emily, Reading

What alternative was there? Mr Howard campaigns for cleaner hospitals - but wasn't it the Tories that started the rot there by privatising cleaning to save money? He hasn't convinced me he's changed. Perhaps a new unknown with new ideas will come to the forefront and we can get rid of all the rot that has led to the current diabolical state in public services that has built up since 1979. Over 20 years of mismanagement will take a long time to put right if ever!
Sally, Hemel Hempstead, Herts

We need to look forward not back Stuart Kerner, London

I am astonished at the brainwashing that seems to have beset those young people voting for the first time. Many 18 and 19 year olds keep harking on about the bad old days under Margaret Thatcher and how they would not want to live through another Tory government like that. As they would have been around four years old at the time of Thatcher's resignation their judgements surely cannot be based on any real experience. We need to look forward not back.
Stuart Kerner, London

This outcome is less connected with the first-past-the-post system than it is with the major parties' pleas that we vote tactically. Both Lib Dem and Conservative campaigns have been based around "getting Labour out" and Labour's has been "keep the Tories out." Call me naive, but how about voting for the party whose policies we favour? Not doing so is undermining the ideals of democracy.
Alex, Edinburgh, UK

I really wish people would get over voting for who their peers and parents voted for and vote for a party with whom they agree on policies. Too much is placed on the image of the party rather than the actions. In order to look to the future we must learn from the past but not place blame. I thought it was time for a change but on the other hand I am not surprised they won either.
Cheryl, Bristol

Surely we should at least make voting day a public holiday Kieran Martin, Bath

This is the result I wanted to see. Perhaps Tony Blair will understand now that when you ignore your core vote on an issue such as Iraq, you pay for it. Turn out was still shockingly low, however, despite a slight increase. Surely we should at least make voting day a public holiday, and at least LOOK at electoral reform.
Kieran Martin, Bath

I feel that living in a staunchly Labour district, that my vote is worthless. Only proportional representation could give my vote true value whichever party I choose to vote for. The 'first past the post' system is not representative or democratic.
Roger Best, Wednesbury, England

Just 22% of the UK public voted for Labour, yet they have a 60 seat majority. The real winner, with almost 40% of the vote was apathy. Time to make a change, I think.
John Davidson, Aberdeen, UK

Mr Blair has fought a very tough and tiring campaign. This has had its physical toll. Tony Blair will hand over to Gordon Brown before the next elections. And cap it all Michael Howard's decision to stand down once the manner of the Conservative leadership succession is decided upon. The decision to hand the torch to a younger leader before the next election, 'sooner than later' is a courageous and very honourable decision. Charles Kennedy has proved that his party has tremendous potential and so has he.
Pancha Chandra, Brussels, Belgium

Make voting compulsory Nick, Preston, Lancashire

It's interesting how the losers always come out shouting for PR instead of first past the post. The Tories never complained when it helped them retain power in 1992. No, keep first past the post, but add 'none of the above' as a choice in all constituencies, and make voting compulsory. Then we'd get a truer measure of dissatisfaction.
Nick, Preston, Lancashire

This 'victory' clearly indicates that the UK must move to the proportional representation model without delay. Otherwise it could be argued strongly that - based on representation of the electorate - this government has no credibility whatsoever to represent this country.
John Millard, Rickmansworth

Congratulations to Mr Blair, although I would have preferred to see a Conservative win. I do, however, think it's worrying that turnout for the election was so low. I have heard figures as low as 61% mentioned in the BBC's online coverage. I think that is pitifully low. It should give politicians of all colours food for thought.
Richard Holman, Birmingham, UK

Congratulations, Mr Blair, but please, put your priorities more to the best of your country and stand closer to your EU colleagues rather than looking only to your Pan-Atlantic best friend.
Susanne, Germany

It seems strange that most of the opinions on this site state acute disappointment in Tony Blair managing to sneak his way into power yet again. Surely SOMEBODY must have voted for him??! This clearly shows that our election system is in serious need of reform, yet I doubt that a government for whom it has helped into power will consider this a priority.
Kate, Exeter

I feel sick to my core that the country will have to put up with Blair and his smug grin for anther few years.
Ian Jerram, Chesterfield, England

I do hope they start to understand that poverty and deprivation is not confined to cities and that they have increased rural poverty by many of their policies. They will need to redress the balance in this area.
LM, Country

This really is a great day Pat, Manchester, UK

I stayed up until 3am. I am totally shattered but I am delighted that Tony Blair and Labour have got a third election victory. No party would expect to see a growing majority after 2 terms. This really is a great day.
Pat, Manchester, UK

Can't understand why people get so uptight about those who choose not to vote. Surely it is a democratic right to exercise the right not to vote. Doesn't this send a message to complacent and failing politicians, whilst underlining the scandalously unfair method of electing members of parliament? Isn't it therefore just as much a political act as voting?
Gordon Bannerman, Dundee, UK

A curious election result, hardly an endorsement for any party. Although perhaps that reflects the public's view. I wonder if this Labour government with its reduced majority will face the same problems from their own backbenches as the last Conservative government did in 92-97.
Jon Sayles, Maidstone

Now we know for sure that Tory policies don't add up. Michael Howard says his party can "hold its head up high" after achieving a massive 0% increase in the Tories' share of the vote. Correct me if I'm wrong here, but surely nothing multiplied by nothing equals nothing.
Graham Carter, Swindon, England

I am completely shocked at the negative reaction here to Labour's win. What was the alternative? Could anyone truly live with Michael Howard? As for the couple of people who have written that they are now thinking of emigrating rather than live under Tony Blair, did you vote Tory? Can you see your hypocrisy? Well done Labour!
Anna, London, UK

Some humility would be a welcome change I. Hutton, Milton Keynes, UK

With 63% of people not voting Labour I trust that we will not hear too much from the government about how popular they are and how we have given them a clear mandate to do things. Some humility would be a welcome change.
I. Hutton, Milton Keynes, UK

Why do people think that the Tories are an effective opposition? They devised a campaign around sensationalist tabloid viewpoints and jumped on the PR wagon, rather than devising a realistic, consistent manifesto. I am shocked they got as many seats as they did and ashamed that so many voters fell for this sensationalist led campaign!
Suzie, Norwich

The perfect result - Labour reined back, the Lib-Dems strong enough to make a real difference, and the Tories going nowhere. Howard is unelectable - and he's the best they've got!
I. Ross, Edinburgh

It seems to me that most people have forgotten what 18 years of Tory government did to this country, mainly brought it to its knees. TB is only human, and makes mistakes like anyone else like the process of going to war (although not the actual war itself). We have pretty good employment figures, low interest rates, more money than ever going into public services. All this costs money, and in the end this country decided that it was worth it. And thank God we did !
Tarwinder Dhak, Cambridge

Whatever the result and whoever the winners, the big losers are the British electorate who didn't get the MP they voted for in the first past the post system the UK uses. Their votes count for nothing. Only proportional representation will ensure that the people's voice is heard, but as it doesn't suit neither Labour nor Conservative, it looks like we're stuck with elections that don't reflect the electorate's will.
CRF, Madrid, Spain

What do I find, post after post from sour grapes Tory and Liberal voters going on about the unfair electoral system and the need for proportional representation. I think you'll find that these same points applied when we had to suffer the catastrophic under investment in public services and the selfish mentality of the Thatcher and Major eras. Were these same people crying into their share certificates then?
However, I do agree that is a strange form of democracy that finds almost two thirds of the population voting against the winning party. Unfortunately, until a better method is introduced that allows both effective government and the right of individual votes to count we are stuck with it!
Ian Fidge, Uxbridge

Not 5 more years! How much more red tape can small business take? Even running something simple like payroll these days is now a minefield due to ridiculous tax credits and Brown's unceasing over-complication of the tax system!
James Bartley, London, UK

A Labour government is good for the country, but a smaller majority is good for democracy. The government will have to listen to its backbenchers more.
Andrew Gumbrell, Winnersh Berkshire

Mr Blair is fortunate there has been no credible alternative Simon Maxwell, Elmdon, UK

Mr Blair is fortunate there has been no credible alternative. However, he and his executive have had eight years to 'listen and learn' what this country 'expects'.
Simon Maxwell, Elmdon, UK

I am glad that we have a different election system in The Netherlands: proportional representation. The advantage is that small parties can get a parliament seat fairly easily. Parties like the Greens and Respect would be represented on the basis of the percentage of the votes they obtained. They would not have to win at least one constituency, which is an obstruction to real democracy in my opinion.
Peter Krouwel, Melissant, The Netherlands

It is with a profound sense of relief that I see the Labour party retuned to power. Yes, Mr Blair handled the Iraq situation ineptly and should probably stand down as soon as possible, but the prospect of a return to Tory sleaze and xenophobia chilled me to the bone.
Dolly, Oakham

For all that there are divisive issues like immigration, Iraq et al, Labour haven't performed badly during the first two terms. I grew up under a Conservative government and still remember how bad Britain was when Maggie was in power.
Barry, London

A Labour victory is no surprise when you remember how many votes Labour has bought with the huge increase in benefits or tax credits. Even schoolkids on £30 a week. Who in their right mind votes out the state hand that feeds them!
Julian Hyde, Colchester, UK

The wails and gnashing of teeth from the Tory sympathisers across the country illustrate just what an achievement this is for Tony Blair. Despite the war, despite constant personalised attacks on his integrity, and hysterical claims about immigration, Labour has won a substantial third term majority. The Tories despite all that have managed to achieve less seats and less votes than Michael Foot's Labour Party did in 1983. Those Tories arguing for PR should think on - PR would deliver a near permanent Labour/Lib Dem coalition. The Tories would be forced onto centre-left territory in a much more radical fashion than they have contemplated. Anti-Tory majority stays pretty strong.
Martyn Clayton, York, North Yorkshire

I am pleased that Labour has won again and I do hope that Tony has had a wake up call and really does realise what the British people want. He's been given another chance, he started off well let's hope he gets back on track and does us proud.
Carole Mullins, Liverpool

A lot of the British public need to look deeper than vague general impressions about leaders when it comes to putting their X in the box. Look at policies and don't be afraid of change! New Labour will carry on doing what they (not the people) want for another term. All spin and no substance in my view.
Jim, Bournemouth

Good news! Let's see more new Labour! Let's NOT hear anymore whining about PR! The system has worked for a good few hundred years and is good for a good few hundred more! Tough luck.
R Martin, Gillingham kent

I wish this had happened twenty years ago David Kirkbride, Spennymoor, Co Durham

I wish this had happened twenty years ago. We might still have some industry left. Still, well done Labour. Keep the Tories out.
David Kirkbride, Spennymoor, Co Durham

This result is hardly a ringing endorsement for the government, just over one in five of the population eligible to vote, voted to re-elect this government.
Bob Beasley, Stone, Staffordshire

Tony Blair just scraped through and for the first time showed a hint of humility. He must realise that the majority of Labour voters only supported him because they knew they would eventually get Gordon Brown.
Brian Popay, Bath

Could we have three Scotsmen as leaders of the main UK parties? Chris Carberry, Houston, Renfrewshire

With Tony Blair having a much lower majority I would expect that Gordon Brown will be in charge by the New Year. Malcolm Rifkind is in a good position to replace Howard in the next year. Could we have three Scotsmen as leaders of the main UK parties?
Chris Carberry, Houston, Renfrewshire

The voters have more sense than the Tories expected! They thought the immigration card would play well in Kent and played this up in their posters. Now look at the results - Labour have held all the seats with much reduced swings.
John Cox, Broadstairs, Kent

When will the Boundary Commission sort out the Labour rotten boroughs? It is ridiculous that Labour can win so many seats with so few votes.
Stephen Dennison, Cranleigh

Labour has won easily despite the unpopularity of the war. This shows how pathetic the Tories and Lib Dems are.
Tim Crellin, London

Thank goodness the Conservatives are on the way back Janice Clough, Grantham, England

Thank goodness the Conservatives are on the way back. I would have preferred the grin to have been wiped permanently off Mr Blair's face but thankful for the results. Huge landslide victories are bad for the country, as they also result in an unhappy disgruntled opposition. Mr Blair should remember that more people voted against him than voted for him!
Janice Clough, Grantham, England

I really just wanted to say that we have had just wonderful commentary and coverage of the election by the BBC last night and all this morning. All these brilliant interviewers and commentators in one room. Paxman and Dimbleby have been outstanding. They must be so tired but you always make watching entertaining. Very well done.
Martin Davy, Nottingham

I am a 19-year-old student and I am happy that Labour won. A lot of people are quick to blame Labour, but they need to focus their attention of what they have achieved in the time they have been in power. Do you not remember Black Wednesday and Thatcher? I'm glad we don't have to go through that again!
Natasha Mowatt, Hackney, London

I wonder how many floating voters, like me, were influenced by the war question? I did not want to see a Tory government in power, but I wanted to punish the Labour government for their decision to take the country into a conflict I feel is morally unacceptable. Whether we went in because of these mythical weapons of mass destruction or to take down Saddam, the cost in terms of human lives and livelihoods was, and is, simply too high.
Kate, Bristol

We do not need a change of government, just a change of leader Tony Hodgetts, Adelaide, Australia

Britain got the election result it wanted. We do not need a change of government, just a change of leader. Sadly as a nation, our democracy does not allow this.
Tony Hodgetts, Adelaide, Australia

I think this result demonstrates more than ever the inequity of our electoral system. It is simply wrong that a party can be in overall majority with less than 50% of the popular vote!
Richard Walker, Inkberrow, Worcestershire

Yet again, more than half the population did not vote Labour and yet we're stuck with them for another term. Call it a democracy?
David Taylor, Derby, Derbyshire

Labour won on their economic record but it was Ken Clarke who paved the way by leaving it in such good shape.
John Waller, Huddersfield England

Here in the North West, with all but one seat declared we have Labour on 1.3 million votes and 60 seats, and Conservatives and Liberal Democrats on 1.5 million votes and 15 seats. Is this unfair or have I missed something?
Mrs A Rawcliffe, Lancaster, England

Four or five more years of another Labour government. Labour has won, but only because the first-past-the-post system has given Blair a false majority and fixed postal votes.
Jenny, Leeds, UK

The system has to change A Roose, London

The system has to change, it's simply unacceptable that two thirds of voters didn't want a Labour government or Tony Blair, and now we have to put up with the smugness for another five years.
A Roose, London

Very disappointed that the most vapid, shallow and dishonest PM this country has ever seen has been re-elected for a third time. How can people vote for a party that is more corrupt and sleaze ridden than even the 1992-97 Conservative government? One reason - the economy. Even for the majority of people you can forget everything else. TB will do a "Harold Wilson" and jump ships when it becomes apparent there will not a fourth term for his cronies and acolytes.
Richard Godfrey, Croydon, Surrey

Mr Blair may be pleased that his party has won over 350 seats, but should bear in mind that 63.7% of voters didn't vote Labour! Introduce proportionate representation for a government that is truly democratic and reflective of what the electorate want.
Caroline Dodge, Herne Bay, England

Labour get 36.3% of the votes, for 353 seats. Conservatives get 33.2% of the votes, but only 196 seats. How can a 3% difference equate to nearly 160 constituencies, and an overwhelming majority in parliament? Surely the system needs to be revised.
Gavin, London, England

This didn't show the first signs of a Conservative recovery, only a 1% increase in the popular vote isn't a major step forward, the Conservatives have done nothing but gain seats which Labour were lucky to take in 1997. To call it a recovery is an amazing piece of hyperbole.
Jon, Melksham, UK

How many months before Blair quits, Brown takes over and the whole country goes down the pan?
Haydn Robinson, Leeds

Action should be taken to address the consistent low turn-out for elections Rachel Poole, Bristol

Action should be taken to address the consistent low turn-out for elections. 61% is insulting to the concept of democracy. People who do not bother to vote should be denied the right to vote for the next 10 years, and should not be eligible for any state benefits. If they refuse to participate in the state, then why should they receive any benefit from it?
Rachel Poole, Bristol

I voted Liberal in this election, but as a realist I knew Labour would get in. I'm just sorry the Labour majority wasn't smaller. Politicians should now get to grips that they cannot keep bending the truth and expect the voters to swallow it.
Paul Threadingham, Stevenage

Even though not a surprising result, hopefully Labour will realise that Tony is a liability they can't afford in next election.
Naushad, London, UK

I feel quite sad and disillusioned that we have to put up with Labour for another four years. However, I am full of admiration for Michael Howard for bringing the Tories out of the wilderness and he should be very proud of his efforts.
Joanne, Birmingham, UK

It would appear that Labour came second Richard, Manchester

Having just added up all the votes for the three main parties in England it would appear that Labour came second polling 35,906 votes fewer than the Tories. Scotland has its parliament, Wales its Assembly yet they are in effect deciding who governs England. Time for an English parliament on the same basis as the Scots.
Richard, Manchester

We invaded another country in the name of democracy yet appoint our own leader with only one in three supporting him. Madness.
Richard, Nottingham, UK

I feel ashamed to be British. Why are we giving Labour the chance to walk all over us again?
Kathryn, Burnley, Lancashire

I was delighted to see that Mr Law won a seat to Parliament after his campaign against women-only shortlists in Wales. We are sick of feminist social engineering, and this is a high spot in the growing fight back.
William, Newcastle, England

I am pleased to see the Labour majority slashed Stuart Morgan, Gosport, UK

I am pleased to see the Labour majority slashed. It is never good to see one party with so much power. It will be far more difficult for Labour to force changes through now. It should make for better and fairer debate on issues in the house.
Stuart Morgan, Gosport, UK

I would just like to comment on Peter Snow's triangular battle front display. Thought it showed an excellent amount of detail concisely
Paul Rhodes, York, North Yorkshire

So disappointed not to topple Blair and his cronies. How worrying that over two thirds of people did not vote for Blair and yet we still have this greedy government in power.
Barbara McNaught, Nr Stamford, Rutland, UK

I am pleased Labour has won again. I am also pleased that they have won with a reduced majority. Hopefully this will provide better government. It was a little odd this time for me as I wanted Labour to win but Blair to lose. Labour did win and Blair has proved himself a hindrance and not a help anymore to the Labour cause. So I believe I got very close to what I wanted.
Aftab Ali, Bradford, England

Same again next time please, Michael Tony Kline, Sutton Coldfield

Same again next time please, Michael. A hung parliament would be lovely.
Tony Kline, Sutton Coldfield

Blair was voted in on a wave of optimism in his first term of government. His key messages of openness, integrity and honesty in government struck a cord with the electorate. On all three counts he has failed to deliver. Now in his third term don't hold your breath.
Ken Fordham, Prenton, England

After watching the election results throughout the night, I'm tired and exhausted, but looking forward to an exciting four or five years ahead of us.
Joshua Penduck, Wolverhampton

Michael Howard has achieved a good result for the conservatives. He has delivered, at last, an effective opposition to Labour and must now build on that during this next term in opposition.
Caroline Wallis, Alton

Thank goodness Labour are back in. I grew up under a Tory government and would hate to go back to that. Well done, Tony Blair.
Kirsty Rix, Hayes, UK

I was expecting Labour to get a third term with a reduced majority Daniel Trimm, Birmingham

This really does not surprise me; I was expecting Labour to get a third term with a reduced majority. Their only contender really didn't have the power to win and Tony Blair was the only weak spot for Labour.
Daniel Trimm, Birmingham

Well done, Tony. Now prove to us that you can deliver on your promises. Howard would have taken us back to the Thatcher era of boom and bust.
Robert Lowe, Sandbach

Michael Howard should be ashamed to have conducted his election campaign on race and immigration.
Mary Smith, London

All through this election there was no mention of the fuel crisis. Drivers are being held to ransom. It's about time Tony Blair woke up. Fuel tax is crippling this country.
Bob, Cardiff

I'm very glad Labour are back in power Kerri, Ramsgate

I'm very glad Labour are back in power. I am a single parent and working and the only way I could do this is with the extra help I get from the government.
Kerri, Ramsgate

If we had had proportional representation, Labour would be history.
Sue, Northampton

I feel the current system of election needs to be evaluated. How can we seriously say that the government has a majority when just over 20% of the population voted for them?
Ben Corrigan, Southend

A good result for Mr Blair. It will be interesting to see what George Galloway bases his next election campaign on. Well done, Tony
Peter, Manchester

I am extremely disappointed with last night's results. I am a 22 year old, trying to make my way in life and the system is completely against me. I can't afford a house, I can't afford to run my car, and my utilities keep rising too thanks to the extra tax. My only real option is emigration.
David Beal, Ashford, Kent

I went along and spoiled my voting card Mark Gillespie, Weymouth

I went along and spoiled my voting card. I wanted to show I could be bothered to vote, but none of the candidates were of any worth.
Mark Gillespie, Weymouth

On the map on the results page of the BBC website most of Scotland is orange and most of England is blue. So how come there was a red victory? Is there not something wrong with this system?
Sharon, Nottingham

I am extremely disappointed that after all the press coverage on the decapitation strategy and the interest in tactical voting, the Lib Dems have actually lost out in Folkestone. After all the Lib Dems have done for the constituency, it's a shame for them not to be rewarded at all.
John, Folkestone, Kent

A Labour government with a smaller majority is good for parliamentary democracy, but it was awful seeing Tories win more seats
Ian, Milton Keynes

This election didn't show a pro conservative swing. It showed an anti Blair swing.
Peter Munro, Southampton

Blair won't learn from his reduced majority Stephen Ferguson, Upper Basildon, Berkshire

I have mixed feelings about this result. While I no longer trust or care for Blair, who else could I trust to run the country? Gordon Brown! Blair won't learn from his reduced majority, he will just see it as vindication of his policies.
Stephen Ferguson, Upper Basildon, Berkshire

He's still not got it. In his victory speech he said the lesson Labour must learn is to "listen to the people and act wisely". No, Mr Blair. The lesson is "listen to the people and do what we say."
Alastair, London

How can anyone be happy with the result of this general election knowing just how few people actually voted? In Manchester the turn out was around 42%. When is a law going to be created to force people to vote?
Duncan, Sale, Manchester

Did anywhere have a better turnout than Sheffield Hillsborough at 89.3%? It's great to see less voter apathy this time around.
Pat Jackson, Loughborough, Leicestershire

I write as a local GP and the prospect of a further 5 years of Labour government fills me with hope. They have delivered significant improvements across the board in healthcare, partly as a result of setting standards (and targets) and expecting clinicians to meet them, to the benefit of all patients. This is in contrast to the divisive Tory plans to pay 50% of fees to patients who can afford to go private - no doubt this money would have ended up in the pockets of 'senior' consultants doing a bit of private work on the side. Sorry chaps, you'll just have to carry on working for the NHS!
DJ, Newcastle, UK

I wonder if Mr Blair will take notice of his vastly reduced majority Martin, Hove, East Sussex

I wonder if Mr Blair will take notice of his vastly reduced majority, or continue to ride roughshod over the wishes of the country. Perhaps the near certainty of defeat at the next election will spur him on to ever lower targets.
Martin, Hove, East Sussex

I think the result shows that the people want a Labour government but they don't want Tony Blair as its leader. He is bad for the Labour party and his decision to go to war has lost them their large majority. It's now time for him to stand aside.
Dave Jones, Wrexham, Wales

Labour were the best of a bad bunch, hopefully with a lower majority they will have to listen to the people a bit more.
Mike, Worsley, England

Without Wales and Scotland, England would have a different government. Here's to devolution for England.
Colin Flockton, Kent

I can only pray that this country educates itself a little better before the next general electio Rebecca Tait, Burgess Hill

Do the lives of well over 100,000 innocent Iraqi civilians count for nothing? How could the country vote for this man and his principles? Thankfully, my constituency remains Conservative. I can only pray that this country educates itself a little better before the next general election.
Rebecca Tait, Burgess Hill

With such a narrow margin of victory, for Labour to claim they have a clear mandate in their third term of office is inconsistent with the facts. None of the three main parties can claim to represent the majority of the voters of this country. One can only hope that Labour will respect this position and govern accordingly.
Ian, Sevenoaks

A vote for the Lib Dems ensured Labours gains - what a wasted vote.
Julie, London

It's time every vote counted, like the European election. Our system's just out of date.
Terence, Exeter, Devon

Liberal Democrats are the winners in the long term Richard Jefferies, Stroud, UK

Liberal Democrats are the winners in the long term. Their credibility is up right across the United Kingdom.
Richard Jefferies, Stroud, UK

How can Michael Howard claim this as a good result? As unpopular as Blair is he still has a majority of 70. Please Tory Party members, give us Ken Clarke as leader, then I would vote Conservative for the first time.
Neil, Chertsey, UK

Blair was the only credible choice, the half fresh thing on the menu. The other two candidates were decidedly stale.
Geoff, Lodz, Poland

The map is blue, how can they be in?
Steve Armstrong, Gillingham Kent

George Galloway's interview with Jeremy Paxton was one of the best television moments for years.
Sandy, Fife

Surely it's time to review the first past the post system Kirsten Timbrell, Bristol

As a passionate advocate of democracy, I have awoken this morning with aghast that our electoral system has once again returned a government with such a low overall percentage of popular support. Surely it's time to review the first past the post system.
Kirsten Timbrell, Bristol

Mr Blair is lucky that opposition is very weak.
Zieleznik, Oxford

So disillusioned, I considered voting Conservative for the first time in my life. What held me back? The negative Conservative campaign.
Robert, Burgess Hill, West Sussex

No leaflets through the door, no door-to-door or town centre presence and no one asking at the poll station. This in a seat that was supposedly a target. Is it voter apathy or politician apathy that's really the problem?
Ellie, Uxbridge

Labour have done a good job so far with this country. The war was an issue that will haunt Tony Blair. But they have done a lot for this country's health service and the economy. Let's hope Tony learns from his mistakes.
Kevin, Thurnscoe, South Yorkshire

I'm really disappointed that the Lib Dems did not get in Patrice Helene, Streatham

I'm really disappointed that the Lib Dems did not get in. In the 11 years that I have lived in Streatham, I haven't seen any improvements to local amenities. I sincerely hope that Blair's government abolishes tuition fees. Education is a fundamental right that everyone has, and should not be charged through the nose for.
Patrice Helene, Streatham

Another Labour victory? Time to look at emigrating I think.
Stuart Perks, Birmingham

With 64% of people voting against Tony Blair's party, the so called Labour victory is a defeat for democracy unless a PR system is established.
Dr Douglas Lester, Falkland, Fife, Scotland

Well we all knew Tony Blair would hold on to power. I just wish it had been by a smaller majority.
Sandra Warde, Stockport

Everyone should stop giving Tony Blair such a hard time Liz, Teddington

I think everyone should stop giving Tony Blair such a hard time and start focusing on the positive things that he and his government have achieved.
Liz, Teddington

An appalling election campaign, no canvassing, no hustings, no personalities. Boredom and dumbing down wins the day.
Patrick Rolink, Airdrie, Scotland

Delighted, it will be a long time before the people of this area forget the Thatcher years and the damage she did. Smaller majorities often make better governments.
Pamela Fellows, Brighouse. West Yorks

When are politicians going to do the honourable thing and instate proportional representation, so that everyone's vote can count?
Fiona Walker-Buckton, Blackpool, Lancs

A great victory for Tony Blair Lim, Singapore

It's a great victory for Tony Blair. I agree with Margaret Thatcher. If the Conservatives can't even win with the major issue of Iraq, that is a reflection on how far the Tories have really fallen over the past decade. Nevertheless, the election should be read as a wake-up call for Labour and will keep them on their toes for the next 4-5 years. Still, I think Blair has given Britons a lot to be thankful for and he deserves the third term. Congratulations.
Lim, Singapore

Labour have won a third term with the lowest percentage share of the vote in history and a 61% turnout. Britain is truly not a democracy. No wonder there is such voter apathy when the true feelings of the people are ignored by this ridiculous system.
Ian Sherwood, Milford Haven, Wales

More debate should be had on this issue Joe Mallon, London, England

I voted for the Liberal Democrats but in reality it was a vote for the Tories. Many people I know did not vote at all because of this reason. Will a proportional representation system get more people into politics? More debate should be had on this issue.
Joe Mallon, London, England

As a Civil Servant working for the Home Office, I can safely say my job is secure under another Labour government, with the inevitable increase of asylum seekers and immigration to the UK over the next four years. I'm sure we will have plenty to keep us busy.
Anon, Croydon, Surrey

I voted Conservative. I believe in Conservative values, but I have to congratulate Mr Blair. He has won a third term with a large majority. Historically the approx 80 seat majority he's won would have been applauded by his party. I think he has a good working majority. I suspect we will see democracy work in this his third, as Labour cannot just bulldoze acts through parliament. We will see a return of balance to the Commons with negotiation and diplomacy between the parties being important. This is good news for the UK.
Robin Fairless, Leighton Buzzard, England

As a Christian I believe we end up with the government we deserve. I look on this result of another term of T. Blair as God's judgement on our continuing moral and Christian decline in this nation.
Sally Styles, Redruth

Low turnout is not showing apathy Ioannis Glinavos, Canterbury, Kent

The big winner of this election is 'none of the above'. Low turnout is not showing apathy, it is showing a very healthy rejection of the phoney choices presented by the current political system. When asked to choose different shades of the same product what choice is there but to abstain in disgust?
Ioannis Glinavos, Canterbury, Kent

I am amazed by some of the responses - everyone insists on a first rate NHS, better public transport etc but complain like mad about having to pay for it. Get a grip - there is no such thing as a "free lunch". I am not a supporter of TB but, the country and economy have been stable for the last 8 years, no massive interest rate rises, minimum wage, better family policies, higher employment. It's not the perfect government but its not the worst either.
Jan, Herts

To all those who want PR, judging by the percentage seen last night, then if we had had that then nothing would get done because we would have had a hung parliament and stalemate amongst the parties because nobody would want anything to do with the other parties. The country would be in a far worse state because nothing would get done.
Ian, Bristol, UK

All this and more for another 5 years VT, London

As a senior NHS doctor working in a large teaching hospital the prospect of more Tony depresses me profoundly. The drive to perform to clinically largely irrelevant targets with attendant investment in people to measure outcome disproportionately to additional clinical staff to deliver care, the lack of transparency in accounting the 'extra millions invested in the NHS (yes the NHS does pay VAT at 17.5% on all purchases; yes, as the largest employer in the UK the NHS does pay the recently increased National Insurance directly back to the treasury), pension reform - all this and more for another 5 years.
VT, London

I think everyone should be able to vote because if young people vote then the whole world can have their say. I'm 13 and I don't think Tony Blair should have won because he starts wars!
Meghan Wilton, North Yorkshire

It amazes me that the UK public will vote for a party that has done nothing but lie, raise taxes and infringe on civil liberties. And they say the days of partisan voting are dead; some areas would seemingly vote for a horse if it wore a red rosette.
Erin Trimble-Cregeen, London

This election just underlines the need for a new system Roger Paice, London

This election just underlines the need for a new system. First past the post is unfair. I favour the single transferable vote.
Roger Paice, London

In the South-east - Labour: 18 seats with 24.2% of the votes Lib Dem: 6 seats with 25.5% of votes. Roll on proportional representation!
Peter Bowman, Kent

Any credible opposition party should have won this election by a landslide. Is it that the Tories and New Labour are totally indistinguishable or is Michael Howard unelectable? Either way the Tory party is dying on its feet. The Liberal Democrats are the only viable opposition.
Tim Ellis, Cambs

I just hope that Mr Blair can fulfil his promises to us who still believe he should be running this country Julie Morgan, Wales

I am so glad that Tony Blair has won, however the loss of seats is disappointing. It will be blamed on the war in Iraq, but when will we all move on? He had to make a decision and he took action in the best interest of this country. I just hope now that Mr Blair can fulfil his promises to us the people who still believe that he is the man who should be running this country.
Julie Morgan, Wales

The argument for proportional representation is now stronger than ever. The majority of voters in the UK did not want a Labour government.
Colin Lamper, Darlington

The majority of the electorate did not vote for Labour. The combined vote for the Lib Dems and Conservatives is greater by 15%. Labour have a minority mandate. When will true Democracy be in place?
John Baxter, Sittingbourne

We must get proportional representation to replace a chronically undemocratic electoral system.
Molly, Brighton

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