Former party leaders and cabinet members were among those to lose their seats in Parliament in an eventful election night - and it could have been worse for others.
The likes of Tories Iain Duncan-Smith and Amber Rudd and Liberal Democrat leader Tim Farron all came close to the exit door but just survived.
However, many other established politicians found themselves staring down the barrel of defeat.
Here are some of the biggest shocks of the night:
Nick Clegg, Liberal Democrats
This time in 2010, Nick Clegg was preparing for life as deputy prime minister as part of the Coalition Government. Seven years, a very public apology over tuition fees and a starring role in a parody pop song later, his career as an MP is - for the time being, at least - over. His defeat in Sheffield Hallam was met with surprise from follow candidates, who looked on as the former party leader cut a subdued figure.
Angus Robertson, SNP
SNP depute leader Angus Robertson had been an MP since 2001 and was defending a majority in Moray of nearly 10,000. But MSP Douglas Ross took the seat, thanking the former incumbent for his service to constituents during his career. In defeat, party grandee Mr Robertson said: "It seems to me there's a lot of change going on. People are seeking answers to the complex questions that we all face."
Ben Gummer, Conservative
He was the man behind the Conservative manifesto - but he was not granted the opportunity to help introduce its policies after being ditched by the electorate. The Cabinet Office minister lost out to Labour with a nearly 5% swing in Ipswich.
Jane Ellison, Conservative
Jeremy Corbyn's party claimed the scalp of Financial Secretary to the Treasury Jane Ellison, taking her Battersea seat on a 10% swing. She had risen swiftly up the ranks since her election to Parliament in 2010. Former Chancellor George Osborne said her unexpected departure would require a "very big post-mortem".
Alex Salmond, SNP
SNP veteran and former first minister Alex Salmond will no longer be a vocal presence in Westminster. His defeat by Colin Clark in Gordon was met with cheers from Conservative Party HQ in central London as the announcement filtered through.
Gavin Barwell, Conservative
He was the housing minister who penned a book entitled How to Win a Marginal Seat: My Year Fighting For My Political Life. But Gavin Barwell now has grounds for a less triumphant follow-up, having lost said marginal seat - Croydon Central - to Labour's Sarah Jones by more than 5,000 votes.
James Wharton, Conservative
Another minister, international development's James Wharton, was also on the Labour kill list. Mr Wharton had been the incumbent for Stockton South since 2010.
Julian Brazier, Conservative
Labour took Canterbury, a seat which had been held by Conservatives since 1918. Rosie Duffield was the history-maker, defeating Julian Brazier by around 200 votes.
