conservative

Ukip finishes second with 24% vote while Lib Dems down to seventh place as its candidate loses deposit.

Former foreign secretary Miliband likely to announce resignation later in the day.

But Tory MPs who voted against gay marriage say Cameron has split nation and party.

Labour candidates win all three by-election seats while Ukip finishes second in Middlesbrough and Rotherham.

Result to reveal mood of electorate on Tories and economy.

Conservatives pledged tax breaks for married couples in their 2010 manifesto.

IMF scaled down Britain's growth forecast

Cameron's reshuffle seen as taking Tories further right in gesture to please restless backbenchers.

Senior cabinet ministers expected to be spared but Andrew Lansley and Caroline Spelman at risk.

However key figures including George Osborne, Theresa May, Michael Gove William Hague expected to retain posts.

Deputy PM urges government to stick by coalition agreement and suggests offloading capacity to Gatwick, Stansted and Luton.

David Cameron prefers the single currency bloc to sort out its own problems.

Major councils including Southampton, Birmingham, Norwich, Thurrock and Harlow have been won by Labour.

Labour holds on to double-digit lead as voters turn out for mayoral and council elections.

Hansard Society's audit says only less than half of the population 41 per cent is interested in politics.