Ed Miliband shouldered responsibility for Labour’s disastrous general election performance and resigned as leader today.
The Conservatives defied early predictions to secure a slim majority which saw David Cameron return to Downing Street as Prime Minister.
After Nigel Farage and Nick Clegg had stood down as the leaders of UKIP and the Liberal Democrats, Miliband followed suit, with Harriet Harman replacing him until the next leader is elected.
Mr Miliband said: “Earlier today I rang David Cameron to congratulate him. I take absolute and total responsibility for the result.
“Now it’s time for someone else to take over this party.”
He thanked the ‘incredible’ team of Labour Party members and activists who took part in the campaign and apologised to the candidates who lost their seats.
The favourites to succeed him are Yvette Cooper, Andy Burnham, and Streatham MP Chuka Umunna.
