The election saw the Whigs gain a majority in the House of Commons, and by November the Whig-dominated parliament had succeeded in pressuring the Queen into accepting the Junto into government for the first time since the late 1690s.

The Whigs were unable to take full control of the government, however, owing to the continued presence of the moderate Tory Godolphin in the cabinet and the opposition of the Queen.

In England, there was 513 MPs elected from 245 constituencies (203 boroughs, 40 counties, and 2 universities).

In Scotland, there was 45 MPs from 45 constituencies (30 counties and 15 burghs)[1] The first general election held since the Union took place between 30 April 1708 and 7 July 1708.

The returning officer in each county or borough fixed the precise date (see hustings for details of the conduct of the elections).