07:00

Signing off

This concludes our coverage on the #ELLGE2015 live blog. Thank you for staying up with us and thank you to all our reporters for their dedication and hard work on no sleep across our four east London boroughs.

Please check the borough sections for our post-election round-ups and analysis.

Good morning from all at Eastlondonlines.

06:55

Ali victory in Bethnal Green and Bow among most significant for Labour nationally

More on Rushanara Ali’s sweeping victory in Bethnal Green and Bow: Ali increased her share of the vote by a massive 18 per cent over her 2010 result, one of the best results for Labour nationally.

With over 61 per cent of the vote, Ali’s win is remarkable not only in the context of  Labour’s defeat in the election, but also because of the fallout from Lutfur Rahman’s recent removal as mayor of  Tower Hamlets (in which Bethnal Green and Bow lies) in which the local Labour Party was criticised by the High Court judge.

From Ali’s acceptance speech earlier this morning: “Let us make sure that we provide hope and optimism to people, who will be worried about their future. It is an incredibly difficult time ahead.”

06:29

“Snooper’s charter” back on the agenda already

Home Secretary Theresa May, currently speaking on the BBC, is making it very clear that this bill will be making a reappearance during the new Conservative-dominated parliament.

06:30

Tories’ Barwell holds Croydon Central by the slimmest of margins

Barwell is the proud owner of a majority of 165 votes.

06:29

RESULT: Conservatives hold Croydon Central

Gavin Barwell MP has been returned for the Tories in Croydon Central, one of the last remaining marginal seats of this general election.

06:27

Scene from Croydon count

Crowds gather around the stage at the Croydon Central count. Pic: Lauren Rickard

06:22

Crowds gathering around stage at Croydon count

Results for key marginal Croydon Central are expected very soon. Unconfirmed reports suggest the result is extremely close.

06:17

Rushanara Ali chimes with Miliband’s mood

“Let us make sure that we provide hope and optimism to people, who will be worried about their future. It is an incredibly difficult time ahead.”

06:06

Ed Miliband sums up Labour’s GE2015

This has clearly been a very disappointing and difficult night for the Labour party. To every member and supporter, I want to say thank you.

— Ed Miliband (@Ed_Miliband) May 8, 2015

06:00

More from Croydon South declaration

UKIP’s Kathleen Garner heckled during her concession speech: calls of “racist” and “hooray for racism”.

Victorious Conservative MP Chris Philp: “We’re a diverse borough and I would like to see every citizen having a fair chance in life.”

Liberal Democrat candidate Gill Hickson: “The only thing that has been murdered tonight is the Lib Dems.”

05:59

RESULT: Conservatives hold Croydon South

Chris Philp holds Croydon South for the Conservatives winning 31,448 votes (54 per cent).

In his acceptance speech, Philp said: “Given it’s almost six o’ clock in the morning, you’ll be relieved to hear that I have very little to say. I’m going to extend a very sincere thanks to the returning officer and the very hardworking council staff who made this count possible.

“It’s a huge honour to have been elected to represent our neighbourhood here in south London. I will do my best to work hard as an active energetic local MP, in the interest of all constituents – whether they voted for me or not – and in the interests of people across the borough.”

05:58

Emily Benn gracious in defeat

Defeated Labour candidate Benn says she is “incredibly proud” of her campaign in Croydon South.

.@Emily_Benn is “incredibly proud” of Labour campaign in #CroydonSouth

— Lauren Rickard (@laurenrickard93) May 8, 2015

05:49

RESULT: Vicky Foxcroft holds Lewisham, Deptford for Labour

Taking over from long-serving Labour MP Joan Ruddock, Foxcroft carries the seat with 28,573 votes.

05:47

Rushanara Ali gives acceptance speech

Rushanara Ali has delivered her acceptance speech after successfully defending her seat in Bethnal Green and Bow for Labour. Ali took 61 per cent of the vote (32,387 votes). Tower Hamlets is locked up for Labour.

Labour MP Rushanara Ali during her acceptance speech in Tower Hamlets. Pic: Arnau Busquets-Guardia

05:41

Jim Dowd’s acceptance speech from Lewisham West and Penge

“I’ve never had this many votes and I think that’s a tribute to the party and what we do in Lewisham Penge and London generally.

“I’m delighted and feel very privileged to be a member of parliament.”

Labour MP Jim Dowd during his acceptance speech in Lewisham West and Penge. Pic: Thu Maria Tran

Conservative candidate Russell Jackson responded: “I’m pleased with a really good result, we did a good campaign. Make sure that [Dowd] works hard as a local MP.”

05:31

RESULT: Labour holds Bethnal Green and Bow

Rushanara Ali is re-elected as MP for Bethnal Green and Bow.

05:22

RESULT: Labour holds Lewisham West and Penge

Jim Dowd is re-elected as MP for Lewisham West and Penge winning 24,347 votes (51.%).

05:17

Jim Fitzpatrick acceptance speech from Poplar and Limehouse

“I am proud to represent this historic seat and its people.

“We need not just more housing, but a higher standard of living and a better funded NHS, which I believe Labour’s program would have delivered. But it would be childish and wrong to deny, if the exit polls are right, that this election is going to be won by David Cameron.”

Labour MP Jim Fitzpatrick’s victory is bittersweet. Pic: Arnau Busquets-Guardia

05:14

MP Steve Reed’s acceptance speech from Croydon North

“I’d like to thank everyone who’s worked very long hours today to give us this result. Can I think the police for keeping all of us safe, everyone who’s participated in this election today. The other candidates, who have demonstrated that democracy is strong and alive and well, here in Croydon North. And the many volunteers, of all parties but particularly mine, who have taken part over months and weeks on the streets, to engage with voters and encourage them to take part in this election.

“But most of all I want to thank the people of Croydon North. This wonderful, warm, welcoming vibrant diverse place that I’ve been so proud to represent these past two and a half years. And to you I’m so grateful tonight for re-electing me to continue doing what I consider to be the best job in the world.

“Tonight, Croydon North has voted for a change of government. The past five years have been dreadful for people in this community, many of our community simply cannot survive another five years of the same.

“People in Croydon north simply want the chance to do the best for themselves, for their family and their community. That’s a chance that’s been denied for too many for too long by a government that just hasn’t seemed to care about this part of the world.

“Tonight, Croydon North has voted for change: a better way for a better future. Tonight, as we wait to learn how the rest of the country has voted, we look and we hope that that change will come.”

04:52

RESULT: Labour holds Poplar and Limehouse

Labour’s Jim Fitzpatrick is re-elected in Poplar and Limehouse winning 29,886 (59 per cent).

Labour MP Jim Fitzpatrick speaks after securing his seat in Poplar and Limehouse with 59 per cent of the vote. Pic: Arnau Busquets-Guardia

05:00

National results update

Almost half of all seats have now been declared nationally. Modest gains for the Conservatives as Labour continue to haemorrhage MPs.

04:52

Heidi Alexander’s acceptance speech from Lewisham East

“A very big thank you to everyone who’s been involved with facilitating the election during the day. Of course I should also say thank you to the people in Lewisham East who have re-selected me as their MP. I’m beyond proud to represent this community in Westminster.

“Lewisham is my home and I’ve tried to work hard in the past five years to try to be an effective representative for my constituency. I will continue to focus my work on issues which I think help the most people in this constituency, which is decent jobs, wages, affordable homes, better public transport… I believe that’s what my constituency wants and I’ll do my best to deliver it.”

04:47

RESULT: Labour holds Croydon North

Labour’s Steve Reed has been elected as MP for Croydon North. He received 33,513 votes (63 per cent)

04:37

RESULT: Diane Abbott holds Hackney North and Stoke Newington for Labour

Diane Abbott has been returned for the sixth time as MP for Hackney North and Stoke Newington winning 63% of the vote.

04:35

Croydon Central recount confirmed

Our reporters have confirmed that ballots for the key marginal constituency of Croydon Central are being recounted. Gavin Barwell is looking to retain his seat.

04:33

London Mayor Boris Johnson elected as MP

Boris Johnson has been elected as an MP for Uxbridge and South Ruislip.

04:18

Heidi Alexander post-victory speech

Heidi Alexander retains Lewisham East for Labour with 23,907 votes. Pic: Thu Maria Tran

04:22

Greens get their best ever result in Hackney South

Green Party candidate Charlotte George polled third in Hackney South and Shoreditch with 12 per cent, just behind the Conservatives on 13 per cent. Labour’s Meg Hillier holds the seat with 64 per cent of the vote.

04:18

RESULT: Heidi Alexander holds Lewisham East for Labour

04:15

Lib Dems’ Simon Hughes loses south-east London seat

Simon Hughes, former Justice Minister and deputy leader of his party, served as an MP for 32 years. Tonight he lost his seat in Bermondsey and Old Southwark to Labour’s Neil Coyle by almost 5,000 votes.

04:10

Croydon North and/or Central results believed to be imminent

Stay tuned.

04:05

RESULT: Labour holds Hackney South and Shoreditch

Meg Hillier is returned as MP for Hackney South and Shoreditch with 30,633 votes (64 per cent).

03:55

Hackney results to be announced soon

Sources say Labour holds with a big win in Hackney. Unclear which constituency. Updates to follow.

03:54

Labour’s Jim Dowd arrives at Lewisham count

03:53

More London results

As reported by the BBC.
Labour GAIN:

• Ealing Central and Acton (from Conservative)
• Brent Central (from Liberal Democrats)

Labour HOLD:

• Ealing North
• Ealing Southall
• Hammersmith
• Westminster North
• Tottenham
• Ilford South
• Vauxhall
• Streatham
• Dulwich and West Norwood

Conservative HOLD:

• Kensington
• Cities of London and Westminster
• Chelsea and Fulham
• Wimbledon
• Beckenham
• Bromley and Chislehurst

03:36

The national picture

As you may have heard, the big stories of the night so far are:

• The results of the broadcasters’ exit poll, announced at 10pm, which has the Conservative Party on track to win the most seats – 316 – but still to fall short of a parliamentary majority.
• The SNP landslide which appears to be in progress north of the border.
• The suffering of the Liberal Democrats, who are looking increasingly likely to lose their deposits in as many 52 seats.

Initially defiant following the exit poll, hearts of Labour supporters are starting to break as the results the party so badly needed resolutely fail to materialise.

03:21

Winston McKenzie arrives at Croydon count

Winston McKenzie, UKIP candidate for Croydon North. Pic: Oliver Imhof

03:06

Hackney Update

Simon de Deney, Liberal Democrats, Hackney North and Stoke Newington

Simon de Deney, Lib Dem candidate for Hackney North and Stoke Newington. Pic: Lindsay Crocket

Simon de Deney: The thing we are really keen on for pushing for is housing, we were promoting in the mayoral election because we think its unbelievable that you’ve got 15 and a half thousand people and and the fact that Hackney has become so unaffordable. You talk to anyone in hackney.”

Eastlondonlines: Do you think the campaign flyer released after the Nepal earthquake influenced the campaign?

Poor timing, poor taste…my blood is actually running cold #GE2015 @LibDems @simondedeney pic.twitter.com/SIgteM80MI

— Georgina Wells (@creativewordz) May 1, 2015

de Deney: It was very unfortunate timing. The message was meant to address the housing issues in Hackney, and how a change needs to happen. It was in no way a reference to Nepal.

Taiwo Adewuyi, Christian Peoples Alliance, Hackney South and Shoreditch

Taiwo Adewuyi, Christian Peoples Alliance Hackney candidate for South and Shoreditch. Pic: Lindsay Crocket

Adewuyi: I think the Christian Peoples Alliance are growing bit by bit.

I think its great and I think its a great opportunity to get out there and let people know the families involved.

It costs about £47 billion in this country and deal with the effects of the family break down. What the CPA is about is making a difference and this is a Christian country. This is a country that has some fantastic gifts and institutions. Today has been a learning curve and its been great.

Jack Tinley, Conservative, Hackney South and Shoreditch

Jack Tinley, conservative candidate for Hackney South and Shoreditch. Pic: Joshua Poncil

Tinley: I’ve been involved in politics in Hackney for a long time, 5 to 6 year now and its been great, I’ve really really enjoyed it. Just the range of people you meet in Hackney, the range of activities. We’ve got a really great base in Hackney throughout the Conservative members. We’ve done lots of campaigning out on the doorsteps, meeting people at doorsteps, that kind of thing. So yeah really enjoyed the campaign.

Eastlondonlines: How do you think the campaign went overall?

Tinley: I think it went great, obviously. I’ll be careful what I say before we get the numbers in. The great thing is we got a really positive feedback from the people we met. People are pleased to see you taking an interest in their local communities. You know our memberships up we had lots of supporters who were happy to come out and support us.

Eastlondonlines: What are the changes you’d bring with a positive result today?

Tinley: My three key things I want to focus on are: housing, and I’m sure you will have heard this, it’s a real problem. It’s a problem across London but especially in Hackney. So I think thats what we need to focus on, just increasing the supply of houses that includes social housing, local housing and family homes.

Second thing is better youth services. I’m a trustee of a local charity and I know first hand how important the work they do is.

And the third thing is supporting local business, because a lot of the improvements we’ve seen in Hackney over the last 10 years have been through new business starting up moving to area providing jobs and opportunities

02:59

Conservative candidate Amy Gray keeping it in the family

My mum, who is a nurse, says she’s treating being at the count as if it’s a night shift. Hence Percy Pigs (& more treats to come later)

— Amy Gray (@hackneyamyg) May 8, 2015

02:51

Hackney declaration imminent

Eastlondonlines reporters at the Hackney count are hearing that a declaration could be made as soon as 03:15.

02:50

London results roundup

The following London constituencies have declared so far:

• Islington North: Labour HOLD
• Islington South and Finsbury: Labour HOLD
• Tooting: Labour HOLD
• Mitcham and Morden: Labour HOLD
• Putney: Conservative HOLD
• Battersea: Conservative HOLD

02:36

Turnout in Bethnal Green and Bow

Anti-voting leaflets in Tower Hamlets appear to have been ineffective, as turnout in Bethnal Green and Bow is reported to have increased to 64.3 percent compared to 62.4 per cent in 2010.

02:15

Turnout is up in all Lewisham constituencies

Turnout figures have increased across all three constituencies in Lewisham:

• Lewisham and Deptford: 64.9 per cent (2010: 61.6 per cent)
• Lewisham West and Penge: 66.8 per cent (2010: 65.2 per cent)
• Lewisham East: 64.4 per cent (2010: 63.3 per cent)

02:11

Hackney voter speaks out on voting difficulties

When asked whether she was affected by the difficulties faced by Hackney voters today, Kelly Reid, 38, a social inclusion worker, told Eastlondonlines: “This morning I had to drive around looking for a polling station because I never received the paperwork.

“Maybe [those who couldn’t vote] should have done that, because I received no notification and it wasn’t until I went down to the polling station and gave them my address that they told me where to go to vote.

“I moved this year so I re-registered at my new address and waited but I never received a letter.””

02:02

Slow start in Lewisham

Members of the media scramble to find a seat in the bustling press room of Laurence House in Catford. Pic: Thu Maria Tran

01:59

Tower Hamlets turnout

Turnout for Poplar and Limehouse is 62.44 per cent, up from 62.3 per cent in 2010.

Confirming the voter turnout count in Poplar and Limehouse. Pic: Tower Hamlets Council

01:54

Croydon North turnout up on 2010

Voter turnout in Croydon North has increased to 62.5 per cent, up from 60.6 per cent in 2010.

Turnout for Croydon Central is reported to be 67.86 per cent up from 65.45 per cent in 2010. This is yet to be confirmed.

01:54

CORRECTION: Tower Hamlets count not yet begun

We reported earlier that the count had begun at the ExCel Centre in Tower Hamlets. This was inaccurate – it has emerged that supervisors have been on a break since validation was completed.

01:27

Close call for Croydon Central

Our reporters have not been able to verify reports of a recount for the key marginal seat of Croydon Central. More updates to follow.

01:25

Labour candidate Jim Fitzpatrick shocked by exit poll results

Poplar and Limehouse Labour MP Jim Fitzpatrick speaking to Eastlondonlines reporter Katharina Schöffmann. Pic: Arnau Busquets-Guardia

Our reporters just spoke with Labour’s Jim Fitzpatrick, who said: “The exit poll result is shocking, and it’s not looking good for us. Especially in Scotland. But… it’s an exit poll.”

Fitzpatrick is standing in the Tower Hamlets constituency of Poplar and Limehouse.

01:12

Vidhi Mohan has conceded Croydon North

Conservative Vidhi Mohan conceded just moments ago in Croydon Central. Pic: Lauren Rickard

Our reporters spoke with Vidhi Mohan, Conservative candidate for Croydon North. He said: “It’s a good night so far and it looks good for the party.”

Regarding the seat he is contesting, he said: “Steve is gonna win that, I won’t get Croydon North.

“I’m optimistic, it looks like [the Conservatives] can win Croydon Central.”

00:54

More info on those “don’t vote” leaflets

The Evening Standard is reporting that the leaflets urging Muslims not to vote were handed out to voters entering polling stations and stuck on the windscreens of residents’ cars. The leaflets bore the Twitter hashtag “#StayMuslimDontVote”.

“Shirk” is the sin of practising idolatry or polytheism, which is forbidden under Islam.

Meanwhile in #TowerHamlets pic.twitter.com/M1spuevnKe

— Victoria Stamps (@AlmostSenseless) May 7, 2015

00:54

Tower Hamlets counting underway

Eastlondonlines correspondents are reporting that all 12 ballot boxes have been validated and the counting has begun. We don’t expect to have any results for Tower Hamlets before 5am.

00:47

Labour’s Steve Reed has arrived at the Croydon count

Labour candidate for Croydon North Steve Reed arrived at the polling station at Fairfield Halls a few moments ago. Pic: Lauren Rickard

Reed said of his campaign: “I’ve really enjoyed it. It’s been a very gruelling five weeks, but I like being out there talking to people and the people in Croydon North are very happy to tell you what they think about things. It’s been very welcoming.
“My sense has been that they’re looking for change in the government. There’s a lot of issues and challenges that people face in Croydon North.”

On the exit poll: “It’s an exit poll, that’s it. We’ve had 11 polls over the last day or so that have said something very different.

“You’re not wise to start commenting on one poll. We’ve only got a few hours to wait, we’ll see what’s happened.”

00:07

Counting underway in Hackney

Our reporters in Hackney are watching ballots being counted. The results were expected to be announced at 2:45am but today’s council IT malfunction may have had a knock-on effect.

Officials count ballots at the Britannia Leisure Centre in Hackney a few moments ago. Pic: Joshua Poncil

23:48

Earlier in Hackney

As declarations start to come in nationally, we’re reminded what’s a stake at street level.

.@HackneyAbbott spotted this round the corner from a polling stn, proving why we should vote & kick out the Tories pic.twitter.com/Mc1xMGNqjn

— Sophington Towers (@s0phie0) May 7, 2015

23:22

Lewisham voters of Instagram

Who said young people aren’t engaged in politics?

22:50

Update from the Croydon count

Our reporters at Fairfield Halls in Croydon are seeing ballot boxes arriving.

The Croydon Central constituency is considered a must win seat for both Labour and Conservatives if they are to form a government. Could these be the ballot papers that will flip the seat?

Live from #Croydon – ballot boxes start to arrive at Fairfield Halls so the verification process can begin! #GE2015 pic.twitter.com/EurtoKZGh8

— Lauren Rickard (@laurenrickard93) May 7, 2015

A voter leaves a Central Croydon polling station. Pic: Oliver Imhof

22:09

A flavour of polling day in Tower Hamlets

Here are a couple of snapshots of today’s action from Tower Hamlets:

The calm before the storm: inside the Labour campaign office in Tower Hamlets. Pic: Katharina Schöffmann

Labour campaigner Sadiq Islam (left) and the Green Party’s Daniel Lee exchange pleasantries while talking to voters outside Bethnal Green station in Tower Hamlets. Pic: Arnau Busquets-Guardia

Tower Hamlets Green Party Chair Daniel Lee was feeling confident when we spoke to him earlier: “All the people I have spoken to have said they will either vote Green or Labour.”

Lee said he thought that the Greens would poll between 8 and 10 per cent in Tower Hamlets. “Hopefully we will come second”, he said.

Somewhat alarmingly, these leaflets weren’t hard to find in Tower Hamlets today:

Meanwhile in #TowerHamlets pic.twitter.com/M1spuevnKe

— Victoria Stamps (@AlmostSenseless) May 7, 2015

22:04

Broadcasters’ exit poll is in

A nationwide exit poll commissioned by the BBC, ITV and Sky News is forecasting the Conservatives to become the largest single party in parliament with 316 seats – still, however, short of a majority of 326.

This could mean that the safe and ultra-safe Labour seats in east London may not be as safe as everyone assumed. Things just got a lot more interesting.

21:53

We’re back!

We’ll be catching you up on the general election stories from Hackney, Tower Hamlets, Lewisham and Croydon over the next few minutes.

17:45

Live coverage will resume from 9pm…

…when things will start hotting up. Join us then!

17:03

Labour “how to vote” leaflets being handed out outside polling stations

The Rushanara Ali campaign in Bethnal Green and Bow is making very sure everyone knows how to vote for their candidate. These leaflets are being handed out directly outside polling stations in the constituency.

A leaflet distributed directly outside a polling station in Tower Hamlets. Pic: Katharina Schöffmann

16:17

Campaigning across the language barrier

Labour Party member Juber Ali, 42, distributes voter information leaflets in Bangladeshi to Tower Hamlets residents:

Labour Party member leafletting in Tower Hamlets. Pic: Arnau Busquets-Guardia

16:07

Heavy police presence at Tower Hamlets polling stations

Eastlondonlines reporters have seen police officers stationed outside every Tower Hamlets polling station they have visited so far:

Police stand guard in front of the Kobi Nazrul Primary School in Tower Hamlets. Pic: Arnau Busquets-Guardia

16:00

Welcome to the #ELLGE2015 live blog!

Cometh the hour, cometh the live blog.

We’ll be with you until the wee hours of the morning when all the results for Hackney, Tower Hamlets, Lewisham and Croydon are in.

If you haven’t already, why not acquaint yourself with our GE2015 coverage?