Webb and Cable lose seats in Lib Dem rout

Pensions minister Steve Webb and business secretary Vince Cable have lost their seats after a calamitous evening for the Liberal Democrats saw the party underperform even the most pessimistic forecasts.

Although deputy prime minister Nick Clegg saw off a challenge from Labour in Sheffield Hallam, by 6:30 BST the Lib Dems had lost 38 of their 57 seats and a final total of even ten seats appeared to be a stretch. LIVE BLOG: Latest reaction to shock election result Webb (pictured) lost by 1,500 votes to his Conservative rival in the Thornbury and Yate constituency, meaning he will now relinquish his role as pensions minister. The position is likely to be filled by a Conservative MP given the party’s strong showing at the polls. The new minister will be tasked with overseeing th...