In pictures: Election winners and losers

Nicola Sturgeon, the First Minister of Scotland, led the SNP to what she dubbed an "historic" third term in the Scottish parliament elections - although the party fell short of a majority

Parties across the political spectrum are finding out whether they have triumphed or lost out after a series of local and national elections on Thursday.

Here are a selection of pictures from around the country as the results are announced.

The Conservatives, under Scottish party leader Ruth Davidson, also had a good night and became the main party of opposition north of the border

Scottish Labour leader Kezia Dugdale failed in her bid to win the Edinburgh Eastern Constituency on a difficult night for the party in Scotland

While the SNP claimed victory in Scotland, it will not have enough seats to form a majority government. This means it will have to work with another party to form a minority administration

In the Welsh Assembly election, Plaid Cymru leader Leanne Wood pulled off a shock win in Rhondda at the expense of Labour's Leighton Andrews. However, Labour remains the largest party in the country

Caroline Jones was among seven UKIP candidates who won the party's first seats in the Welsh Assembly, while the Conservatives lost three seats overall

Labour's Welsh First Minister Carwyn Jones retained his seat in Bridgend. But while Labour remains the largest party, it has fallen short of a majority and will now look at the possibility of forming a coalition government

In the English local elections, Jeremy Corbyn's Labour Party avoided the drubbing many expected, retaining control of a number of key councils

But it was a particularly good night for UKIP, which gained councils seats - including six on Thurrock Council - and came second in two by-elections. Here party members celebrate Derrick Fellowes winning the Nethermayne ward in Basildon

The Conservatives have gained council seats but still remain in control of the same number of councils

During a visit to Peterborough - where the Conservatives secured a majority - Mr Cameron said Labour had "lost touch"