In their own words: Election quotes

It's a privilege and an honour that they have bestowed upon us. Let's live up to it.
Prime Minister Tony Blair.

We have worked so hard for so little reward.
Conservative leader William Hague.

The Liberal Democrats .. are very much the party of the future for British politics.
Charles Kennedy, leader of the Liberal Democrats.

Let it not be an excuse for arrogance. Let it not be an excuse for the contempt of Parliament.
Conservative Michael Portillo on Labour's victory.

What went wrong was the economy, stupid.
Lord Tebbit having been asked what went wrong for the Conservative Party.

I don't particularly like him but I do feel sorry for him tonight.
Labour's Frank Dobson about William Hague.

We have comprehensively beaten the Conservative Party on the big arguments.
Alastair Campbell, Tony Blair's official spokesman.

William (Hague) led from the front all the time. I would very much hope that whatever happens he will continue as leader.
Michael Portillo, Conservative MP and shadow chancellor.

I am a fighter and not a quitter -- My political opponents can have their pound of flesh, and they do, but they will not eat into the core of my beliefs, what I stand for and have done in politics. That is the inner steel in me.
Peter Mandelson, who has twice lost his job as a Labour cabinet member.

This has been an absolutely astonishing night, the best election result for our party since 1923.
Former Lib Dem leader Paddy Ashdown.

It's the darkest hour that comes before the dawn. Be thinking of that all you who voted against the Conservative Party. We will come back and we are capable of regenerating ourselves. Now let's go home and prepare breakfast.
Journalist Boris Johnson, a new Conservative member of parliament.

It is sobering, for everyone, that millions of people have refused to participate in this election.
William Hague.

I am absolutely dismayed about the turnout but not surprised. All politicians, especially those of us with substantial majorities, ought to take note.
Labour veteran Tam Dalyell.

I think he's a great bloke, he has worked hard, he is bomb-proof that bloke -- nothing shocks him
Comedian and Conservative supporter Jim Davidson on William Hague

I am nothing but cheerful. It is terrific.
Actress and Liberal Democrat supporter Honor Blackman.

Hague's voice makes me fall asleep and sounds as if it comes from someone who is over 100 years old. Given that he looks like a 12 year old, the above fact does not help at all in raising his charisma.
Dionysis Grigoratos, e-mail to CNN.com.