[BBC] – David Cameron has promised to lead a government for “one nation” and make “Great Britain greater” as he returned to Downing Street as prime minister.
Speaking outside No 10 after visiting Buckingham Palace, he said the UK was “on the brink of something special”.
The Conservatives have 330 seats – four more than needed for a Commons majority – their first such victory since 1992.
Mr Cameron’s rivals Ed Miliband, Nick Clegg and Nigel Farage have all resigned after election disappointment.
The Conservative leader is now beginning the process of putting together the new government, with senior Cabinet appointments expected to be announced later on Friday.
Mr Cameron said he would reach out to all parts of the UK and strive to “bring the country together” in the wake of the SNP’s election landslide in Scotland – where it won 56 of the 59 seats.
The Conservatives’ victory means they will be able to govern without the need for a coalition or a formal agreement with other parties.
Mr Cameron said he had spoken to both Mr Miliband and Mr Clegg, paying tribute to the latter’s contribution to the coalition government over the past five years.
Speaking in Downing Street, he said: “We will govern as a party of one nation, one United Kingdom.
“That means ensuring this recovery reaches all parts of our country, from north to south, to east to west.”
He said he would press ahead with devolution of powers to all nations as well as referendum on the UK’s EU membership.
“I have always believed in governing with respect,” he said “That’s why in the last parliament we devolved power to Scotland and Wales, and gave the people of Scotland a referendum on whether to stay inside the United Kingdom.
