BBC political editor’s shocked reaction to 2024 general election exit poll

After the 2024 general election results were released, BBC political editor Chris Mason had just one word to say about the results. The results, which showed a landslide victory for Labour, were released at 10pm on Thursday 4 July, moments after the polls closed.

Speaking directly to the camera, Chris began his analysis of the poll with a single word. He said: “Gosh!” He added: “Take a look and take these numbers into account. The Conservative Party, which is so often an election-winning machine, looks pulverized tonight, given these numbers.”

Polls show Labour winning a majority of 170 seats. If the forecasts are correct, this means he will become Prime Minister with 410 Labour MPs.

FOLLOW LIVE: Live updates from Wales’ 2024 general election as countdown approaches to results

EXIT POLLS: General election exit polls put Labour on course for landslide victory

The Conservatives are expected to cut their MPs to 131, which would be the lowest number in post-war history. The Liberal Democrats are expected to have 61 MPs, the Scottish National Party – 10 and Reform UK is expected to have 13. For the latest analysis of the biggest stories, sign up to the Wales Matters newsletter here.

The Green Party of England and Wales is set to double its number of MPs to two, and Plaid Cymru is set to get four. The other parties are set to win 19 seats according to exit polls.

Chris went on to explain that exit polls are just predictions, but said: “In terms of current events, it seems very clear and we overuse words like historic sometimes in journalism, I plead guilty to that, but these numbers, if they are broadly consistent with where we are at breakfast time, justify that label.” Clive Myrie added that it was “historic” and “seismic”.

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