Nationwide exit polls for the BBC, ITV and Sky have projected a hung parliament with the Conservatives the largest party.
The Tories have been estimated to take 307 seats, up 97 since 2005 but leaving them 19 short of an overall majority. Labour had the second largest share with 255, down 95.
The exit polls showed the Lib Dems would win 69 seats, lower than had been estimated since the television debates and down four from 2005, while minor parties would collect 29 seats between them.
The swing suggests the Tories will have won in Hove and Brighton Kemptown, although the actual outcome will not been known for several hours.
The challenge of the Green Party means Brighton Pavilion remains in the balance.