Clegg brings the Liberal Democrats to power for the first time in 70 years. The Lib Dem leader will now be Cameron’s deputy.

Former Prime Minister Gordon Brown has resigned only hours previously. His departure from 10 Downing Street marks the end of 13 years of Labour rule.

Cameron is the youngest prime minister since 1812. The Conservatives are the largest party in parliament after national elections one week before, with 20 seats short of an outright majority. Combined with the Liberal Democrats, they will have a majority of 76 seats.

The two sides are set to shape the government and announce the cabinet members in due course. 

Message of congratulation by President Barroso
EU President Barroso has sent the following message of congratulations to the newly elected Prime Minister of the United Kingdom, David Cameron: ‘On behalf of the European Commission, I would like to offer you my warmest congratulations on your election as prime minister of the United Kingdom. I wish you and your government every success in the demanding work ahead. Like all European governments, you face difficult choices in difficult times. I am confident that you will chart the right course to steer the United Kingdom out of the current crisis and back on the path of sustainable growth. Many of the challenges ahead – delivering economic recovery, fighting global poverty, tackling climate change, ensuring energy security – are common across the European Union and require a common response. I look forward to working closely with you on these and other issues, such as boosting the internal market and promoting smarter regulation, more transparency and greater accountability in the European Union. I also look forward to welcoming you to Brussels in the near future.’