While the focus is usually around the number-crunching around seats and majorities at election time, with the changing of governments, the 2024 results had plenty of eye-catching moments too.
There was Rishi Sunak’s departure from Downing Street to meet with the King at Buckingham Palace, Sir Keir Starmer giving his first speech as Prime Minister on the steps of Number 10, and even Sir Jacob Rees-Mogg losing his seat while standing next to a candidate wearing a baked bean balaclava.
Here are some of those key moments caught on camera.
Starmer becomes PM
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Sir Keir arrives at Buckingham Palace. Pic: PA
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King Charles asked Sir Keir to form a government. Pic: PA
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Sir Keir and his wife Victoria arrive at Downing Street and meet supporters. Pic: Reuters
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The prime minister spoke to the nation from Downing Street. Pic: Reuters
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Sir Keir and Victoria about to head inside. Pic: PA
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The pair entering Downing Street. Pic: PA
Rishi Sunak’s last moments as prime minister
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Rishi Sunak and Akshata Murty leaving Downing Street. Pic: No 10 Downing Street
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Pic: No 10 Downing Street
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Rishi Sunak delivers his last speech at Number 10 Downing Street. Pic: Reuters
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The Sunaks leave Downing Street. Pic: No 10 Downing Street
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Mr Sunak travelled to the palace to officially tender his resignation to the King. Pic: PA
The night as it happened
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At 10pm, the exit poll forecast a Labour landslide victory
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Counting began in seats across the country at 10pm. Pic: PA
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Bridget Phillipson was the first MP returned at the election. Pic: PA
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A Stop The Tories afterparty in London. Pic: Reuters
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Lee Anderson won in Ashfield for Reform
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Nigel Farage became an MP. Pic: PA
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Former defence secretary Grant Shapps was one of several cabinet members to lose their seat
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Tory leadership hopeful Penny Mordaunt also lost her seat
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Sir Keir won his seat in North London. Pic: Reuters
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Jeremy Corbyn won Islington North as an independent. Pic: Jon Rowley/EPA-EFE/Shutterstock
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Liberal Democrat leader Sir Ed Davey lead his party to a huge increase in seats. Pic: PA
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Rishi Sunak conceding the election in the early hours. Pic: PA
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Sir Keir delivered his first victory speech in the morning. Pic: Reuters
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Jacob Rees-Mogg speaks after losing his North East Somerset and Hanham seat. Pic: PA
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Members of the media gather on Downing Street as the Sun rises. Pic: Reuters
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Former prime minister Liz Truss lost her seat in a massive swing. Pic PA
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Former chancellor Jeremy Hunt, with Lucia Hunt and their children Jack, Anna and Eleanor, leave 11 Downing Street. Pic: PA
Source Agencies