DAVID Cameron reclaimed his seat as Witney MP today, but was left in limbo over whether he would lead the country.

Turnout was up by 4.5 per cent on 2005, with 73.56 per cent of the electorate voting.

The count took place at the Windrush Leisure Centre in Witney, with the first ballot boxes arriving at 10.15pm.

The world’s media packed into the sports hall as early exit polls across the country showed the Conservatives were set to become the largest party in a hung parliament.

Mr Cameron and wife Samantha arrived at 1am.

He told supporters he was “delighted” with how the election had panned out and said he was looking forward to a lie-in this morning.

Mr Cameron told his constituency backers: “Whatever happens tonight, whatever the future may hold, I will always work hard as a constituency MP standing up for your interests.

“Nationally we have to wait for the full results to come out. But I believe it is already clear that the Labour Government has lost its mandate to govern our country.

“Although there are still many more results to come out, it looks as if the Conservative party is on target to win more seats than we have done at any election for perhaps as long as 80 years.”

He said the Conservatives had fought a “positive and energetic” campaign.

It was clear from the results that “the country wants change” and “that change is going to require new leadership”.

He added: “Whatever happens tonight we will stand ready to do all that we can to help bring that leadership, to help bring strong, stable, decisive and good government for our country.”

Mr Cameron said: “What will guide me in the hours ahead, and perhaps longer than the hours ahead, will be the national interest to do what is right for our country, to make sure we have that Government, have that stability, take the right decisions.

“We live in difficult times but this is a great country and we will come through them and be stronger.

“At all times what I will do is put the national interest first to make sure we have good, strong, stable government for our country.”

Mr Cameron’s rivals remained upbeat despite losing.

Independent candidate Paul Wesson said: “My standing was so Witney had a choice.”

Monster Raving Loony Party leader Alan ‘Howling Laud’ Hope said: “It has been wonderful and we have received a lot of support.”

UKIP candidate Nikolai Tolstoy was pleased with his campaign.

He said: “You can tell the party is gaining more support.”

Independent candidate John Cook admitted the past month had been a learning curve for him.

He added: “It has been hard work but a lot of fun.”