Countdown to a minority government
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If no party wins an overall majority of 326 seats in the House of Commons, a “confidence and supply” arrangement could let a minority government
operate without the need for a formal coalition

General election If there is no majority winner, election results in “hung parliament”

House of Commons New Speaker elected. New MPs are sworn in. In case of hung
parliament, incumbent Conservative Prime Minister David Cameron has first attempt at putting together a coalition or minority government

Queen’s Speech State opening of parliament

First key test of confidence MPs due to vote on Queen’s Speech in first
week of June. If vote of confidence is lost, incumbent prime minister expected to resign. Labour’s Ed Miliband has chance to put together minority government
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Seats in possible confidence and supply minority governments*

Confidence: Smaller parties prop up minority government or abstain during votes of no-confidence

Supply: Smaller parties support bills necessary for government to receive money to enact its policies
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Conservative-led: Up to 323 seats

Conservatives 287

Liberal Democrats 27

Democratic Unionist Party 8

UKIP 1

Labour-led: Up to 354 seats

Labour 270

SNP 43

Liberal Democrats 27

DUP 8

SDLP 3

Plaid Cymru 2

Greens  1

*Projections by UK Parliamentary Election Forecast, April 8, 2015
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Sources: Institute for Government, electionforecast.co.uk

Pictures: Associated Press

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