The Liberal Democrats last night ruled out a coalition deal with Labour or the Conservatives as Nick Clegg lost his Sheffield Hallam seat to Labour in a political shock to the pro-Remain party.

The former Deputy Prime Minister warned that Britain will face “unprecedented hardship and difficulty” in the years ahead if it does not “heal” it’s divides following the shock election results which saw Labour gains across the country.

It came as Tim Farron narrowly held onto his seat and the party lost the constituencies of Leeds North West and Southport. Elsewhere Vince Cable, the former business secretary, was returned to Parliament and Ed Davey, the former energy secretary looked likely to win his seat.