British Prime Minister Gordon Brown said on Friday it was his duty to play his part in securing strong and stable government in Britain after the general election.
"The outcome of this country's vote is not yet known," he said, "but my duty to the country, coming out of this election, is to play my part in Britain having a strong, stable and principled government, able to lead Britain into sustained economic recovery".
Brown, whose ruling Labour Party lost around 100 parliamentary seats, according to exit polls, was speaking after his re-election in his Scottish constituency of Kirkcaldy and Cowdenbeath.
Brown's remarks were seen as underlining his intention to attempt to cling to power even though the opposition Conservatives have emerged from the election as the biggest party, according to exit polls.
Downing Street sources said earlier that Brown would try to form a coalition government if there was to be a hung Parliament with no clear majorities as a result of the election.
He would argue that the sitting government has the first right to form an administration, even if it is not the biggest party.