Ed Miliband resigns: Thanks Milifandom supporters in his defeat speech

The Labour leader stood down with a message for his young supporters

Is this the face that launched a thousand memes?

Ed Miliband's resignation drew tears from his close allies who had worked tirelessly on the campaign trail over the weeks.

But he had other people to thank on his list, too - namely, his youthful supporters.

In a heartfelt speech, Miliband said that it was time for someone else to take on the mantle of leader, saying: "We've come back before and we'll come back again."

"She will take over until a new leader is elected. For me, I’m looking forward to reacquainting myself with Justine, Daniel, and Sam. But before I need to say thank you to the British people. Thank you to the people who’ve met me on train stations and colleges, in workplaces and schools. Thank you for sharing your stories from me, I have learnt so much for you."

During the speech, Ed thanked people "for the selfies" and, dubbing it "the most unlikely cult of the 21st century", Miliband also thanked the teenage girls behind the #Milifandom campaign.

The group of people who admired the Labour leader, led by a 17-year-old Abby. She responded to Miliband's resignation:

As the night's disastrous election results unfolded, Abby tweeted her respect for Miliband, and even hinted that she could run for Parliament in the 2020 election.