John Bercow will be the special guest on Sky News' election night programme.

The former Speaker will join host Dermot Murnaghan to give his colourful take on events as the outcome of the battle for Downing Street unfolds once polls close on December 12.

Mr Bercow recently stepped down after 10 years in the role, having proved to be a controversial figure in the chair.

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He has had a front row seat for much of the Brexit drama since the 2016 referendum - and recently claimed the vote to leave the EU was the "biggest foreign policy mistake in the post-war period".

John Ryley, the head of Sky News, said: "It promises to be a night of political frenzy with the very future of the United Kingdom at stake.


"I'm confident this will be Sky News' biggest, boldest election night programme, covering every twist and turn of the night, with explanation and analysis for all audiences.

"Sky News will have all the bases covered to analyse the results as they start to be reported, with the exit poll released at 10pm giving the first indication towards the possible outcome.

"We're delighted to be welcoming John Bercow to our general election coverage. House of Commons Speaker for 10 years, John will bring his own authority, and no little wit to a night of high drama."

A key moment on the night will be the release of the broadcasters' exit poll at 10pm.

Sky News political editor Beth Rigby will be on hand to provide her observations and expert analysis as the night takes shape, while deputy political editor Sam Coates will give a seat-by-seat view.

Economics editor Ed Conway will use the very latest graphics to show viewers the story in the clearest and most concise way.

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Given the campaign is increasingly being fought out on social and digital media battlegrounds, Sky News will have in-depth coverage across its digital platforms.

On election night itself this will include a partnership with BuzzFeed UK to deliver a live programme aimed at a younger, more diverse audience.

Streamed live across Sky News' digital platforms, including Facebook, Twitter, Twitch and YouTube, the show's mission is to explain and engage.

It will be presented by political correspondent Lewis Goodall, with technology correspondent Rowland Manthorpe bringing Sky News' sharp analysis to new audiences through Election Social.

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Both programmes, which will come from purpose-built studios at Sky HQ, will feature augmented reality graphics, wire cams and a state-of-the art videowall.

Around the country, presenter Anna Botting will be with Prime Minister Boris Johnson, Sophy Ridge will be with Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn, Niall Paterson with Liberal Democrat leader Jo Swinson, while Gillian Joseph in Newcastle and Sarah-Jane Mee in Sunderland will vie for the honour of the first constituency to declare a result.

Sky News will have a journalist at every count for the first time ever in a bid to deliver the fastest results ever.

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A special edition of Kay Burley@Breakfast will come from Westminster from 6am until 9am the morning after polling day, as the fallout and reaction from the election continues.

Editor at Large Adam Boulton will then take over the reins for a day of more drama as whoever has won sets up their government.

The Brexit Election on Sky News - the fastest results and in-depth analysis on mobile, TV and radio.