Vote 2011: Results place strain on coalition
A decisive vote to keep the UK's current system for electing MPs deals a further blow to Nick Clegg, after the Lib Dems suffered heavy election losses.
The Conservatives managed to make significant gains - with their coalition partners apparently bearing the brunt of public anger over spending cuts at English local elections.
In Scotland the SNP scored an historic victory in the Scottish Parliament poll, whilst Labour made significant gains in town halls in the north of England and in the Welsh assembly elections.
Nick Robinson reports.