Cameron Promises Britain 'Something Special'

David Cameron has told voters the UK is on the "brink of something special" as he promised to deliver on all election pledges, including an EU referendum and powers for Scotland.

In an extraordinary General Election, which claimed the scalps of three party leaders within 52 minutes, the Conservatives confounded expectations to win outright, returning Mr Cameron to Number 10.

Speaking on the steps of Downing Street after a meeting with the Queen at Buckingham Palace, Mr Cameron vowed to be the party of the "working people".

He later revealed who would take the senior roles of Chancellor, Home Secretary, Defence Secretary and Foreign Secretary in his Cabinet.

He has also pledged to "govern as a party of one nation, one United Kingdom" with more powers for Scotland, in a response to the rise of the SNP, which brings with it the threat of another independence vote and claims that the Conservative Government will have "no legitimacy in Scotland".

The Prime Minister also said he would deliver on the promised referendum of Britain's continued membership of the European Union 2017.

And he thanked Nick Clegg, who has stepped down as Liberal Democrat leader after a disastrous night, saying he was proud to be part of the first coalition government Britain had seen in 70 years.

Mr Cameron said: "The government I led did important work. It laid the foundations for a better future and now we must build on them.

"I truly believe we are on the brink of something special in our country. We can make Britain a place where a good life is in reach for everyone who is willing to work and do the right thing."

He is the second only Prime Minister to have increased their majority while in power - Margaret Thatcher was the first - although he will have to govern with the slimmest of majorities. It is smaller than John Major's 21-seat margin in 1992.

Ed Miliband resigned after a dismal night during which his party was virtually wiped out in Scotland and which reached its lowest point when shadow chancellor Ed Balls lost his Morley and Outwood seat.

The Labour leader said he had telephoned Mr Cameron to congratulate him on his victory and added he was sorry and took "absolute and total responsibility" for the party's loss.

Mr Clegg announced his resignation after the Lib Dems paid a hefty political price for their time in coalition.

The party lost 48 seats - more than 15% of its vote share - including a shock loss for former Business Secretary Vince Cable, who has held his seat since 1997.

In his resignation speech, Mr Clegg said he was honoured to have served his country at a "time of crisis" and said it was now time to reflect on the "catastrophic losses".

He warned: "I hope that our leaders across the United Kingdom realise the disastrous consequences for our way of life and the integrity of the United Kingdom if they continue to appeal to grievance rather than generosity, and fear rather than hope.

"It's no exaggeration to say that in the absence of strong and statesman-like leadership, Britain's place in Europe and the world and the continued existence of our United Kingdom itself is now in grave jeopardy."

UKIP leader Nigel Farage also stepped down after failing to win the Thanet South seat but hinted he would be likely to run in the party's leadership contest.

The night delivered a number of surprise departures including former Conservative Employment Minister Esther McVey, former Lib Dem Chief Secretary to the Treasury Danny Alexander, Lib Dem Education Minister David Laws and Labour's campaign chief Douglas Alexander.

The SNP won all but three of Scotland's 59 seats delivering a significant "tartan bloc" to Westminster in a night which Alex Salmond, the former party leader who won his seat, hailed as the "roar" of the "Scottish lion".

Following his victory Mr Salmond warned Mr Cameron he has "no legitimacy whatsoever in Scotland".

Mr Cameron now has the task of getting his programme through parliament with a wafer-thin majority , which is likely to be blighted by backbench rebellions, and leadership challenges.

He has said he will only serve two terms as prime minister naming his possible successors as Boris Johnson, Theresa May and George Osborne.

The Conservative leader will also have to deliver on his promise of a referendum on Britain's continued membership of the European Union by 2017 and his pledge to reform the UK's deal with Europe before then.

It is an issue that has caused considerable concern in the City.

And with the SNP's meteoric rise , he will also face significant challenges over Scotland, with the spectre on another referendum and pressure within his party to re-examine the financial deal the country gets and the issue of English votes for English laws.

World leaders have congratulated Mr Cameron after the election victory.

US President Barack Obama congratulated the PM on an "impressive electoral victory" and said he looked forward "to continuing to strengthen the bonds between our countries, as we work together on behalf of global peace, security and prosperity".

EU Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker tweeted: "Congratulations, @David_Cameron for a resounding victory. I am ready to work with you to strike a fair deal for the UK."

The final constituency, St Ives, saw Conservative Derek Thomas win the seat from Lib Dem Andrew George with a 2,469 majority, giving the Conservative Party 330 MPs, Labour 232, the Lib Dems eight, UKIP one, the SNP 56 and other parties 23.