Ed Miliband has resigned as leader of the Labour party after a crushing election defeat.

Speaking to party supporters on Friday, he said he took “absolute responsibility” for the outcome, which saw his party all but wiped out in Scotland, and by early Friday afternoon 95 seats behind the Conservatives across the country.

Mr Miliband was warmly applauded by party workers as he told them: “Britain needs a strong Labour Party; Britain needs a Labour Party which can rebuild after this defeat. It's time for someone else to take the party forward.”

Though he joked that he was “looking forward to reacquainting” himself with his wife and children, he said he would never stop fighting for change.

The third party leader - after Nigel Farage and Nick Clegg - to resign on a tumultuous day, Mr Miliband said the last few months had been “the most enjoyable campaign I’ve ever been part of.”

He invited an open debate in choosing the next leader, and praised deputy leader Harriet Harman, who will take charge on a temporary basis.

He said she was “the best deputy leader anyone could hope for. I am proud to have had her as my deputy for my term of leadership.”

He also thanked his staff, supporters and those behind “the most unlikely cult of the 21st century: Milifandom”.