Brown will try to form coalition government

Gordon Brown will try to form a coalition government to keep Labour in power if there is a hung parliament in Britain, Downing Street sources confirmed today.

The news came as a TV exit poll predicted the Conservatives would form the largest party in the next British parliament, but fall short of having an overall majority.

Senior Cabinet ministers said deals with the Liberal Democrats – and perhaps other parties – were now on the cards as a cliffhanger election unfolded.

The Downing Street sources said Mr Brown would insist on his right as Prime Minister to try to form an administration even if he did not command the largest party in the Commons.

The BBC/ITV News/Sky News poll forecast the Conservatives would win 305 seats - 21 short of a majority – with Labour on 255 and the Lib Dems on 61.