Whatever the result, this election has pushed the centre ground to the left | Steve Richards

The Labour and Tory manifestos both accept the need for tax rises and market regulation. Even Blair at his peak didn’t achieve that consensusElectoral patterns in the UK are wild and unruly. Since the financial crash in 2008 the UK has elected a coalition, and delivered David Cameron a tiny majority only for the triumphant prime minister to resign a year later: a speedy departure without precedent. Related: What happens if nobody wins the election? 1974 is a warning | Steve RichardsContinu