The mastermind behind the Tory election victory has delivered a stinging rebuke to commentators who failed to see the result coming - and urged a ban on polls in the final stages of campaigns.
Lynton Crosby said wealthy Westminster-based pundits who only came into contact with ordinary people when they "picked up their dry cleaning" had been "talking to themselves".
The so-called 'Wizard of Oz' warned that polls - which consistently showed the main parties deadlocked up to May 7 - could "influence" voters and suggested they should not be made public during the last few weeks.
Mr Crosby, who oversaw both of Boris Johnson's mayoral election successes as well four wins for former Australian prime minister John Howard, gave his first assessment of the contest in an interview with the Daily Telegraph.
Virtually all major national polls failed to predict the election result correctly
"It wasn't just Ed Miliband's Labour Party that revealed itself as out of touch and remote from the people who are the backbone of Britain," he said.
"It was a failure from the Westminster centric 'Eddie the expert' and 'Clarrie the commentator' who were tested and found wanting.
"It was a judgment day for them, as it was for Ed Miliband, and they lost."
Lashing out at some Conservative-supporting figures who were critical of the party's approach, Mr Crosby said: "They say about teachers - those who can do, those who can't teach. Well I think it's very unfair - my wife was a teacher and I don't approve of that. But I do think it's fair to say in politics - those who can do and those who can't commentate...
"The problem with political commentary and punditry in this country is that it's conducted by a bunch of people most of whom live inside the M25 who could never live on the £26,000 that is the average annual earnings of people in this country.
"Most went to Oxbridge, talk only to themselves and last time they met a punter was when they picked up their dry cleaning."
Mr Crosby said he was always clear that "politics is not entertainment".
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He added: "That's a mistake of people who are acute followers of politics as commentators or people from within the Westminster village," he said. "For the voters it's not entertainment, it's a serious issue, it's a serious thing that means a great deal to their lives. It is their future."
Mr Crosby said although he always felt the Tories were on course, the "wall of noise" from Westminster observers did make him have doubts.
"It would be dishonest to say that you don't constantly question things. Because there was a wall of noise coming at us a lot of the time."
However, he insisted that "at no stage" had David Cameron or Chancellor George Osborne questioned the strategy.
"They were rock solid because it was soundly based. It was logical, it built on our strengths of economic competence and strong leadership and so we stuck to it," Mr Crosby said.
"The trouble now is that polls have become part of the political process so they're not an independent measurement that says this is what's going on, they actually influence what's going on.
Crosby said that polls should be banned in the run-up to the Election
"And I think that's quite dangerous. I would subscribe to the view there should be a stay on publishing polls publicly for two or three weeks before an election."
Mr Crosby said that if he was a marketing director or a politician "I would rarely rely on online polling alone".
"I mean the public polls are a bit like going to a doctor who's reporting your temperature each day and tells you it's 38, then it's 40, then it's 39, then it's 41. They don't tell you what's actually going on, what's causing the temperature changes yet people, they just report the temperature, what you want is diagnosis that tells you what's going on and why and that's what they don't do," he added.
The strategist said he "couldn't really understand" the Labour campaign.
"They just wanted to divide Britain and they focused too much on process. Labour were always trying to talk up how clever they were. How they'd set up the Green attack unit, how they had set up the Ukip attack unit. How they were having four million conversations across the country," he said.
"Well we had more than that - but you don't talk about it...
"I don't understand why Labour didn't change their core vote strategy when it became clear that Scotland was a serious problem for them. They didn't seem to respond to that in the way they should have - which was they should have completely reshaped their campaign in the rest of the country."
Story continues below slideshow...
Election Day In Pictures
Conservative Party Leader David Cameron Votes In Spelsbury(01 of99)
David Cameron, U.K. prime minister and leader of the Conservative Party, center right, and Samantha Cameron, his wife, exit a polling station past protestors holding a banner reading 'Stop the war on dads' after casting their votes in the general election in Spelsbury, U.K., on Thursday, May 7, 2015. Britain votes on Thursday in the most uncertain election since World War II, a ballot that looks set to be followed by negotiations to secure a parliamentary majority and clashes over who has the legitimacy to govern. Photographer: Simon Dawson/Bloomberg via Getty Images (credit:Bloomberg via Getty Images)
Leader Of The Conservative Party, David Cameron, Casts His Vote As The UK Goes To The Polls(02 of99)
SPELSBURY, ENGLAND - MAY 07: Prime Minister David Cameron and his wife Samantha pass demonstrators as they leave a polling station after casting their vote in the general election on May 6, 2015 in Spelsbury, England. The United Kingdom has gone to the polls to vote for a new government in one of the most closely fought General Elections in recent history. With the result too close to call it is anticipated that there will be no overall clear majority winner and a coalition government will have to be formed once again. (Photo by Peter Macdiarmid/Getty Images) (credit:Peter Macdiarmid via Getty Images)
Leader Of The Conservative Party, David Cameron, Casts His Vote As The UK Goes To The Polls(03 of99)
SPELSBURY, ENGLAND - MAY 07: Prime Minister David Cameron and his wife Samantha arrive at a polling station to cast their vote in the general election on May 6, 2015 in Spelsbury, England. The United Kingdom has gone to the polls to vote for a new government in one of the most closely fought General Elections in recent history. With the result too close to call it is anticipated that there will be no overall clear majority winner and a coalition government will have to be formed once again. (Photo by Peter Macdiarmid/Getty Images) (credit:Peter Macdiarmid via Getty Images)
BRITAIN-VOTE(04 of99)
London Mayor Boris Johnson (R) and his wife Marina Wheeler walk out after casting their vote at a polling station on May 7, 2015 in London as Britain holds a general election. Polls opened today in Britain's closest general election for decades with voters set to decide between the Conservatives of Prime Minister David Cameron, Ed Miliband's Labour and a host of smaller parties. AFP PHOTO / JUSTIN TALLIS (Photo credit should read JUSTIN TALLIS/AFP/Getty Images) (credit:JUSTIN TALLIS via Getty Images)
BRITAIN-VOTE(05 of99)
London Mayor Boris Johnson (R) and his wife Marina Wheeler arrive to cast their vote on May 7, 2015 in London as Britain holds a general election. Polls opened today in Britain's closest general election for decades with voters set to decide between the Conservatives of Prime Minister David Cameron, Ed Miliband's Labour and a host of smaller parties. AFP PHOTO / JUSTIN TALLIS (Photo credit should read JUSTIN TALLIS/AFP/Getty Images) (credit:JUSTIN TALLIS via Getty Images)
BRITAIN-VOTE(06 of99)
London Mayor Boris Johnson (C) and his wife Marina Wheeler are followed by media after casting their vote at a polling station on May 7, 2015 in London as Britain holds a general election. Polls opened today in Britain's closest general election for decades with voters set to decide between the Conservatives of Prime Minister David Cameron, Ed Miliband's Labour and a host of smaller parties. AFP PHOTO / JUSTIN TALLIS (Photo credit should read JUSTIN TALLIS/AFP/Getty Images) (credit:JUSTIN TALLIS via Getty Images)
General Election 2015 Polling Day - May 7th(07 of99)
A polling station at the Royal Artillery Museum in Woolwich, east London, on the day of the General Election. (credit:Yui Mok/PA Wire)
General Election 2015 Polling Day - May 7th(08 of99)
Boris Johnson and his wife Marina Wheeler leave a polling station in Islington, north London, after voting the in the General Election 2015. (credit:Dominic Lipinski/PA Wire)
General Election 2015 Polling Day - May 7th(09 of99)
Boris Johnson and his wife Marina Wheeler leave a polling station in Islington, north London, after voting the in the General Election 2015. (credit:Dominic Lipinski/PA Wire)
General Election 2015 Polling Day - May 7th(10 of99)
Boris Johnson and his wife Marina Wheeler leave a polling station in Islington, north London, after voting the in the General Election 2015. (credit:Dominic Lipinski/PA Wire)
Britain Northern Ireland Election(11 of99)
A woman leave's a polling station in the Clonard area of West Belfast, Northern Ireland, Thursday, May 7, 2015. Britain's most unpredictable general election in decades gets under way Thursday with polls showing the two biggest parties Labour and the Conservatives running in a virtual dead heat. The election could decide issues such as whether Britain will remain a member of the European Union, whether it will close its doors to immigrants and whether it will continue with austerity programs. (AP Photo/Peter Morrison) (credit:ASSOCIATED PRESS)
Britain Election(12 of99)
Landlord Clive Franklyn puts a polling station sign back up after being told it had fallen down at a polling station in the Crown Inn in the village of Sarre, south east England, Thursday, May 7, 2015. Polls have opened in Britain's national election, a contest that is expected to produce an ambiguous result, a period of frantic political horse-trading and a bout of national soul-searching. (AP Photo/Matt Dunham) (credit:ASSOCIATED PRESS)
Britain Election(13 of99)
A member of the public leaves the Bank View Cafe, doubling for the day as a polling station, in Langsett in the Peak District of England, Thursday May 7, 2015. Britain's most unpredictable general election in decades gets under way Thursday with polls showing the two biggest parties Labour and the Conservatives running in a virtual dead heat. (AP Photo/Jon Super) (credit:ASSOCIATED PRESS)
Britain Election(14 of99)
A member of the public arrives at the Bank View Cafe, doubling for the day as a polling station, in Langsett in the Peak District of England, Thursday May 7, 2015. Britain's most unpredictable general election in decades gets under way Thursday with polls showing the two biggest parties Labour and the Conservatives running in a virtual dead heat. The election could decide issues such as whether Britain will remain a member of the European Union, whether it will close its doors to immigrants and whether it will continue with austerity programs. (AP Photo/Jon Super) (credit:ASSOCIATED PRESS)
BRITAIN-VOTE-OPEN(15 of99)
Labour Party politician Alan Johnson arrives at the Ush Hair hairdressing salon which is being used as a polling station in Hull, Northern England on May 7, 2015 as Britain holds a general election. Polls opened today in Britain's closest general election for decades with voters set to decide between the Conservatives of Prime Minister David Cameron, Ed Miliband's Labour and a host of smaller parties. AFP PHOTO / OLI SCARFF (Photo credit should read OLI SCARFF/AFP/Getty Images) (credit:OLI SCARFF via Getty Images)
General Election 2015 Polling Day - May 7th(16 of99)
Green Party leader Natalie Bennett (centre) arrives to cast her vote at Ossulston Tenants' Hall, London, as Britain goes to the ballot box today in the most uncertain General Election for decades, with no party on course to emerge a clear winner. (credit:Yui Mok/PA Wire)
General Election 2015 Polling Day - May 7th(17 of99)
Green Party leader Natalie Bennett after casting her vote at Ossulston Tenants' Hall, London, as Britain goes to the ballot box today in the most uncertain General Election for decades, with no party on course to emerge a clear winner. (credit:Yui Mok/PA Wire)
General Election 2015 Polling Day - May 7th(18 of99)
Green Party leader Natalie Bennett (left) arrives to cast her vote at Ossulston Tenants' Hall, London, as Britain goes to the ballot box today in the most uncertain General Election for decades, with no party on course to emerge a clear winner. (credit:Yui Mok/PA Wire)
General Election 2015 Polling Day - May 7th(19 of99)
Voters visit a polling station at Hanover Primary School, Islington, London, as Britain goes to the ballot box today in the most uncertain General Election for decades, with no party on course to emerge a clear winner. (credit:Rick Findler/PA Wire)
General Election 2015 Polling Day - May 7th(20 of99)
Plaid Cymru leader Leanne Wood, right, and the party's candidate for Rhondda Shelley Rees-Owen, give the thumbs up after casting their votes at a polling station in Penygraig, Rhondda, Wales. Britain goes to the ballot box today in the most uncertain General Election for decades, with no party on course to emerge a clear winner. (credit:Ben Birchall/PA Wire)
General Election 2015 Polling Day - May 7th(21 of99)
Members of the public at the Ealing National Spiritualist church polling station voting for the Ealing Central and Acton Constituency in the General Election. (credit:John Walton/PA Wire)
General Election 2015 Polling Day - May 7th(22 of99)
Plaid Cymru leader Leanne Wood, left, and the party's candidate for Rhondda Shelley Rees-Owen arrive at a polling station in Penygraig, Rhondda, Wales. Britain goes to the ballot box today in the most uncertain General Election for decades, with no party on course to emerge a clear winner. (credit:Ben Birchall/PA Wire)
General Election 2015 Polling Day - May 7th(23 of99)
Voters enter a polling station in Penygraig, Rhondda, Wales, as Britain goes to the ballot box today in the most uncertain General Election for decades, with no party on course to emerge a clear winner. (credit:Ben Birchall/PA Wire)
General Election 2015 Polling Day - May 7th(24 of99)
Plaid Cymru leader Leanne Wood, right, and the party's candidate for Rhondda Shelley Rees-Owen, give the thumbs up after casting their votes at a polling station in Penygraig, Rhondda, Wales. Britain goes to the ballot box today in the most uncertain General Election for decades, with no party on course to emerge a clear winner. (credit:Ben Birchall/PA Wire)
General Election 2015 Polling Day - May 7th(25 of99)
Scottish Labour leader Jim Murphy arrives to cast his vote in the 2015 General Election at Busby Primary School in Glasgow as Britain goes to the ballot box today in the most uncertain General Election for decades, with no party on course to emerge a clear winner. (credit:Danny Lawson/PA Wire)
General Election 2015 Polling Day - May 7th(26 of99)
Scottish Labour leader Jim Murphy arrives to cast his vote in the 2015 General Election at Busby Primary School in Glasgow as Britain goes to the ballot box today in the most uncertain General Election for decades, with no party on course to emerge a clear winner. (credit:Danny Lawson/PA Wire)
General Election 2015 Polling Day - May 7th(27 of99)
Liberal Democrats leader Nick Clegg with his wife Miriam Gonzalez Durantez arrive to vote at Hall Park Centre in Sheffield, as Britain goes to the ballot box today in the most uncertain General Election for decades, with no party on course to emerge a clear winner. (credit:Lynne Cameron/PA Wire)
Natalie Bennett casts her vote in the UK General Election(28 of99)
LONDON, UNITED KINGDOM - MAY 07 : Green Party leader Natalie Bennett leaves the polling station after casting her vote in the UK General Election in London, United Kingdom on May 7, 2015. (Photo by Yunus Kaymaz/Anadolu Agency/Getty Images) (credit:Anadolu Agency via Getty Images)
Natalie Bennett casts her vote in the UK General Election(29 of99)
LONDON, UNITED KINGDOM - MAY 07 : Green Party leader Natalie Bennett leaves the polling station after casting her vote in the UK General Election in London, United Kingdom on May 7, 2015. (Photo by Yunus Kaymaz/Anadolu Agency/Getty Images) (credit:Anadolu Agency via Getty Images)
BRITAIN-VOTE-OPEN(30 of99)
Members of the public arrive to cast their votes at a polling station at a lifeboat station in Dungeness, southern England on May 7, 2015, as Britain holds a general election. Polls opened today in Britain's closest general election for decades with voters set to decide between the Conservatives of Prime Minister David Cameron, Ed Miliband's Labour and a host of smaller parties. AFP PHOTO / BEN STANSALL (Photo credit should read BEN STANSALL/AFP/Getty Images) (credit:BEN STANSALL via Getty Images)
Alex Salmond Of The SNP Casts His Vote As The UK Goes To The Polls(31 of99)
ELLON, SCOTLAND - MAY 07: SNP candidate for the Gordon Constituency and Former First Minister Alex Salmond makes his way to the polling station with first time voter Nicki Falconer and her family in the Gordon Constituency on May 07, 2015 in Ellon, Scotland. The United Kingdom has gone to the polls to vote for a new government in one of the most closely fought General Elections in recent history. With the result too close to call it is anticipated that there will be no overall clear majority winner and a coalition government will have to be formed once again. (Photo by Mark Runnacles/Getty Images) (credit:Mark Runnacles via Getty Images)
Alex Salmond Of The SNP Casts His Vote As The UK Goes To The Polls(32 of99)
ELLON, SCOTLAND - MAY 07: Gordon SNP candidate and Former First Minister Alex Salmond with first time voter Nicki Falconer and her family at their local polling station in the Gordon Constituency on May 07, 2015 in Ellon, Scotland. The United Kingdom has gone to the polls to vote for a new government in one of the most closely fought General Elections in recent history. With the result too close to call it is anticipated that there will be no overall clear majority winner and a coalition government will have to be formed once again. (Photo by Mark Runnacles/Getty Images) (credit:Mark Runnacles via Getty Images)
Leader Of The Liberal Democrats, Nick Clegg, Casts His Vote As The UK Goes To The Polls(33 of99)
SHEFFIELD, ENGLAND - MAY 07: Liberal Democrat leader and Deputy Prime Minister Nick Clegg and his wife Miriam Gonzalez Durantez arrive at Hall Park Hill Community Centre to cast their votes, on May 7, 2015 in Sheffield, England. The United Kingdom has gone to the polls to vote for a new government in one of the most closely fought General Elections in recent history. With the result too close to call it is anticipated that there will be no overall clear majority winner and a coalition government will have to be formed once again. (Photo by Dave Thompson/Getty Images) (credit:Dave Thompson via Getty Images)
Leader Of The Liberal Democrats, Nick Clegg, Casts His Vote As The UK Goes To The Polls(34 of99)
SHEFFIELD, ENGLAND - MAY 07: Liberal Democrat leader and Deputy Prime Minister Nick Clegg and his wife Miriam Gonzalez Durantez arrive at Hall Park Hill Community Centre to cast their votes, on May 7, 2015 in Sheffield, England. The United Kingdom has gone to the polls to vote for a new government in one of the most closely fought General Elections in recent history. With the result too close to call it is anticipated that there will be no overall clear majority winner and a coalition government will have to be formed once again. (Photo by Dave Thompson/Getty Images) (credit:Dave Thompson via Getty Images)
BRITAIN-VOTE-OPEN(35 of99)
Leader of the Liberal Democrat party Nick Clegg (L) and his wife Miriam Gonzalez Durantez pose smile after voting at Hall Park centre polling station in Sheffield, England on May 7, 2015 as Britain holds a general election. Polls opened today in Britain's closest general election for decades with voters set to decide between the Conservatives of Prime Minister David Cameron, Ed Miliband's Labour and a host of smaller parties. AFP PHOTO / PAUL ELLIS (Photo credit should read PAUL ELLIS/AFP/Getty Images) (credit:PAUL ELLIS via Getty Images)
BRITAIN-VOTE-OPEN(36 of99)
Leader of the Liberal Democrat party Nick Clegg (L) and his wife Miriam Gonzalez Durantez pose after voting at Hall Park centre polling station in Sheffield, England on May 7, 2015 as Britain holds a general election. Polls opened today in Britain's closest general election for decades with voters set to decide between the Conservatives of Prime Minister David Cameron, Ed Miliband's Labour and a host of smaller parties. AFP PHOTO / PAUL ELLIS (Photo credit should read PAUL ELLIS/AFP/Getty Images) (credit:PAUL ELLIS via Getty Images)
Britain Election(37 of99)
Britain's Prime Minister and Conservative Party leader David Cameron gets in his official car after voting at a polling station in Spelsbury, England, in the general election, Thursday, May 7, 2015. Polls have opened in Britain's national election, a contest that is expected to produce an ambiguous result, a period of frantic political horse-trading and a bout of national soul-searching. (AP Photo/Alastair Grant) (credit:ASSOCIATED PRESS)
Britain Election(38 of99)
Britain's Prime Minister and Conservative Party leader David Cameron and his wife Samantha leave a voting station in Spelsbury, England, as protesters demonstrate outside after they voted in the general election, Thursday, May 7, 2015. Polls have opened in Britain's national election, a contest that is expected to produce an ambiguous result, a period of frantic political horse-trading and a bout of national soul-searching. (AP Photo/Alastair Grant) (credit:ASSOCIATED PRESS)
Britain Election(39 of99)
A candidate's supporters parade in front of the polling station where Britain's Prime Minister David Cameron and his wife Samantha will vote in Spelsbury, England, in the general election, Thursday, May 7, 2015. Polls have opened in Britain's national election, a contest that is expected to produce an ambiguous result, a period of frantic political horse-trading and a bout of national soul-searching. (AP Photo/Alastair Grant) (credit:ASSOCIATED PRESS)
APTOPIX Britain Election(40 of99)
Britain's Prime Minister and Conservative Party leader David Cameron and his wife Samantha leave a voting station in Spelsbury, England, as protesters demonstrate outside after they voted in the general election, Thursday, May 7, 2015. Polls have opened in Britain's national election, a contest that is expected to produce an ambiguous result, a period of frantic political horse-trading and a bout of national soul-searching. (AP Photo/Alastair Grant) (credit:ASSOCIATED PRESS)
Britain Election(41 of99)
Nigel Farage the leader of the UK Independence Party (UKIP) poses for photographers as he arrives to cast his vote at a polling station in Ramsgate, south east England, Thursday, May 7, 2015. Polls have opened in Britain's national election, a contest that is expected to produce an ambiguous result, a period of frantic political horse-trading and a bout of national soul-searching. (AP Photo/Matt Dunham) (credit:ASSOCIATED PRESS)
Britain Election(42 of99)
Nigel Farage the leader of the UK Independence Party (UKIP) poses for photographers as he arrives to cast his vote at a polling station in Ramsgate, south east England, Thursday, May 7, 2015. Polls have opened in Britain's national election, a contest that is expected to produce an ambiguous result, a period of frantic political horse-trading and a bout of national soul-searching. (AP Photo/Matt Dunham) (credit:ASSOCIATED PRESS)
Britain Election(43 of99)
Labour Party leader Ed Miliband and his wife Justine leave the polling station after voting at Sutton Village Hall, Doncaster, England, Thursday May 7, 2015. Polls have opened in Britain's national election, a contest that is expected to produce an ambiguous result, a period of frantic political horse-trading and a bout of national soul-searching. (AP Photo/Jon Super) (credit:ASSOCIATED PRESS)
Britain Election(44 of99)
Labour Party leader Ed Miliband and his wife Justine leave the polling station after voting at Sutton Village Hall, Doncaster, England, Thursday May 7, 2015, as Britain takes to the polls in a General Election. (AP Photo/Jon Super) (credit:ASSOCIATED PRESS)
Britain Election(45 of99)
Labour Party leader Ed Miliband and his wife Justine leave the polling station after voting at Sutton Village Hall, Doncaster, England, Thursday May 7, 2015. Polls have opened in Britain's national election, a contest that is expected to produce an ambiguous result, a period of frantic political horse-trading and a bout of national soul-searching. (AP Photo/Jon Super) (credit:ASSOCIATED PRESS)
Britain Election(46 of99)
Nigel Farage the leader of the UK Independence Party (UKIP) shakes hands with a passerby as he arrives to cast his vote at a polling station in Ramsgate, south east England, Thursday, May 7, 2015. Polls have opened in Britain's national election, a contest that is expected to produce an ambiguous result, a period of frantic political horse-trading and a bout of national soul-searching. (AP Photo/Matt Dunham) (credit:ASSOCIATED PRESS)
Britain Election(47 of99)
Labour Party leader Ed Miliband leaves the polling station after casting his vote at Sutton Village Hall, Doncaster, England, Thursday May 7, 2015. Polls have opened in Britain's national election, a contest that is expected to produce an ambiguous result, a period of frantic political horse-trading and a bout of national soul-searching. (AP Photo/Jon Super) (credit:ASSOCIATED PRESS)
Britain Election(48 of99)
First Minister of Scotland and Scottish National Party leader Nicola Sturgeon poses for photographs after casting her ballot at Broomhouse Community Hall in Broomhouse, Scotland, Thursday, May 7, 2015. Polls have opened in Britain's national election, a contest that is expected to produce an ambiguous result, a period of frantic political horse-trading and a bout of national soul-searching. (AP Photo/Scott Heppell) (credit:ASSOCIATED PRESS)
Britain Election(49 of99)
First Minister of Scotland and Scottish National Party leader Nicola Sturgeon and her husband Peter Murrell pose for photographs after casting her ballot at Broomhouse Community Hall in Broomhouse, Scotland, Thursday, May 7, 2015. Polls have opened in Britain's national election, a contest that is expected to produce an ambiguous result, a period of frantic political horse-trading and a bout of national soul-searching. (AP Photo/Scott Heppell) (credit:ASSOCIATED PRESS)
Britain Election(50 of99)
First Minister of Scotland and Scottish National Party leader Nicola Sturgeon arrives to cast her ballot at Broomhouse Community Hall in Broomhouse, Scotland, Thursday, May 7, 2015. Polls have opened in Britain's national election, a contest that is expected to produce an ambiguous result, a period of frantic political horse-trading and a bout of national soul-searching. (AP Photo/Scott Heppell) (credit:ASSOCIATED PRESS)
Britain Election(51 of99)
Nigel Farage the leader of the UK Independence Party (UKIP) poses for the media as he leaves after casting his vote at a polling station in Ramsgate, south east England, Thursday, May 7, 2015. Polls have opened in Britain's national election, a contest that is expected to produce an ambiguous result, a period of frantic political horse-trading and a bout of national soul-searching. (AP Photo/Matt Dunham) (credit:ASSOCIATED PRESS)
Britain Election(52 of99)
Labour Party leader Ed Miliband and his wife Justine arrive at the polling station before voting at Sutton Village Hall, Doncaster, England, Thursday May 7, 2015, as Britain takes to the polls in a General Election. (AP Photo/Jon Super) (credit:ASSOCIATED PRESS)
Britain Election(53 of99)
Labour Party leader Ed Miliband and his wife Justine leave the polling station after voting at Sutton Village Hall, Doncaster, England, Thursday May 7, 2015. Polls have opened in Britain's national election, a contest that is expected to produce an ambiguous result, a period of frantic political horse-trading and a bout of national soul-searching. (AP Photo/Jon Super) (credit:ASSOCIATED PRESS)
Britain Election(54 of99)
Labour Party leader Ed Miliband and his wife Justine arrive at the polling station before voting at Sutton Village Hall, Doncaster, England, Thursday May 7, 2015, as Britain takes to the polls in a General Election. (AP Photo/Jon Super) (credit:ASSOCIATED PRESS)
Leader Of The Labour Party, Ed Miliband, Casts His Vote As The UK Goes To The Polls(55 of99)
DONCASTER, ENGLAND - MAY 07: Polling station staff erect a sign as they open the doors for voting and await the arrival of Labour Party leader Ed Miliband and his wife Justine Thornton at Sutton Village Hall in Sutton to cast their votes in the 2015 general election on May 7, 2015 in Doncaster, England. The United Kingdom is going to the polls today to vote for a new government in one of the most closely fought General Elections in recent history. (Photo by Christopher Furlong/Getty Images) (credit:Christopher Furlong via Getty Images)
BRITAIN-VOTE-OPEN(56 of99)
A member of the public puts her boots on after casting her vote at a polling station in a residential house in Bramshill in southern England, on May 7, 2015, as Britain holds a general election. Polls opened today in Britain's closest general election for decades with voters set to decide between the Conservatives of Prime Minister David Cameron, Ed Miliband's Labour and a host of smaller parties. AFP PHOTO / ADRIAN DENNIS (Photo credit should read ADRIAN DENNIS/AFP/Getty Images) (credit:ADRIAN DENNIS via Getty Images)
BRITAIN-VOTE-OPEN(57 of99)
A member of the public cycles away after casting her vote at a polling station in a residential house in Bramshill in southern England, on May 7, 2015, as Britain holds a general election. Polls opened today in Britain's closest general election for decades with voters set to decide between the Conservatives of Prime Minister David Cameron, Ed Miliband's Labour and a host of smaller parties. AFP PHOTO / ADRIAN DENNIS (Photo credit should read ADRIAN DENNIS/AFP/Getty Images) (credit:ADRIAN DENNIS via Getty Images)
Leader Of The Labour Party, Ed Miliband, Casts His Vote As The UK Goes To The Polls(58 of99)
DONCASTER, ENGLAND - MAY 07: Labour Party leader Ed Miliband leaves the polling station at Sutton Village Hall in Sutton after casting his vote in the 2015 general election on May 7, 2015 in Doncaster, England. The United Kingdom is going to the polls today to vote for a new government in one of the most closely fought General Elections in recent history. (Photo by Christopher Furlong/Getty Images) (credit:Christopher Furlong via Getty Images)
UK General Election 2015 - UK Politics Through A Washington Lens(59 of99)
DONCASTER, UNITED KINGDOM - MAY 07: Labour Party leader Ed Miliband leaves the polling station at Sutton Village Hall in Sutton after casting his vote in the 2015 general election on May 7, 2015 in Doncaster, England. The United Kingdom has gone to the polls to vote for a new government in one of the most closely fought General Elections in recent history. (Photo by Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images) (credit:Chip Somodevilla via Getty Images)
Labour Party Leader Ed Miliband Votes In Sutton(60 of99)
Ed Miliband, leader of the U.K. opposition Labour Party, and his wife Justine Thornton pose for a photograph outside a polling station after casting votes in the general election in Sutton, U.K., on Thursday, May 7, 2015. Britain votes on Thursday in the most uncertain election since World War II, a ballot that looks set to be followed by negotiations to secure a parliamentary majority and clashes over who has the legitimacy to govern. Photographer: Chris Ratcliffe/Bloomberg via Getty Images (credit:Bloomberg via Getty Images)
BRITAIN-VOTE-OPEN(61 of99)
Voters enter a polling station at the West Blatchington Windmill near Brighton in southern England on May 7, 2015, as Britain holds a general election. Polls opened Thursday in Britain's closest general election for decades with voters set to decide between the Conservatives of Prime Minister David Cameron, Ed Miliband's Labour and a host of smaller parties. AFP PHOTO / GLYN KIRK (Photo credit should read GLYN KIRK/AFP/Getty Images) (credit:GLYN KIRK via Getty Images)
BRITAIN-VOTE-OPEN(62 of99)
A man leaves after casting his ballot at a polling station in Elvetham Heath in southern England, on May 7, 2015, as Britain holds a general election. Polls opened Thursday in Britain's closest general election for decades with voters set to decide between the Conservatives of Prime Minister David Cameron, Ed Miliband's Labour and a host of smaller parties. AFP PHOTO / ADRIAN DENNIS (Photo credit should read ADRIAN DENNIS/AFP/Getty Images) (credit:ADRIAN DENNIS via Getty Images)
UK General Election 2015 - UK Politics Through A Washington Lens(63 of99)
DONCASTER, UNITED KINGDOM - MAY 07: Police officers move photographers out of the road before the arrival of Labour Party leader Ed Miliband at the polling station at Sutton Village Hall in Sutton to cast their votes in the 2015 general election on May 7, 2015 in Doncaster, England. The United Kingdom is going to the polls today to vote for a new government in one of the most closely fought General Elections in recent history. (Photo by Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images) (credit:Chip Somodevilla via Getty Images)
UK General Election 2015 - UK Politics Through A Washington Lens(64 of99)
DONCASTER, UNITED KINGDOM - MAY 07: Campaign staff tell photographers which direction Labour Party leader Ed Miliband will be coming from outside the polling station at Sutton Village Hall in Sutton to cast their votes in the 2015 general election on May 7, 2015 in Doncaster, England. (Photo by Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images) (credit:Chip Somodevilla via Getty Images)
UK General Election 2015 - UK Politics Through A Washington Lens(65 of99)
DONCASTER, UNITED KINGDOM - MAY 07: Labour Party leader Ed Miliband (C) greets supporters as he and his wife Justine Thornton arrive at the polling station at Sutton Village Hall in Sutton to cast their votes in the 2015 general election on May 7, 2015 in Doncaster, England. The United Kingdom has gone to the polls to vote for a new government in one of the most closely fought General Elections in recent history. With the result too close to call it is anticipated that there will be no overall clear majority winner and a coalition government will have to be formed once again. (Photo by Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images) (credit:Chip Somodevilla via Getty Images)
BRITAIN-VOTE-OPEN(66 of99)
Members of the public wait to cast their votes at a polling station in Elvetham Heath in southern England, on May 7, 2015, as Britain holds a general election. Polls opened Thursday in Britain's closest general election for decades with voters set to decide between the Conservatives of Prime Minister David Cameron, Ed Miliband's Labour and a host of smaller parties. AFP PHOTO / ADRIAN DENNIS (Photo credit should read ADRIAN DENNIS/AFP/Getty Images) (credit:ADRIAN DENNIS via Getty Images)
General Election 2015 Polling Day - May 7th(67 of99)
Ukip leader Nigel Farage after casting his vote at the Eastcliff community housing office in Ramsgate, as Britain goes to the ballot box today in the most uncertain General Election for decades, with no party on course to emerge a clear winner. (credit:Gareth Fuller/PA Wire)
Britain Election(68 of99)
Nigel Farage the leader of the UK Independence Party (UKIP) speaks to photographers as he leaves after casting his vote at a polling station in Ramsgate, south east England, Thursday, May 7, 2015. Polls have opened in Britain's national election, a contest that is expected to produce an ambiguous result, a period of frantic political horse-trading and a bout of national soul-searching. (AP Photo/Matt Dunham) (credit:Matt Dunham/AP)
Britain Election(69 of99)
Nigel Farage the leader of the UK Independence Party (UKIP) poses for photographers as he arrives to cast his vote at a polling station in Ramsgate, south east England, Thursday, May 7, 2015. Polls have opened in Britain's national election, a contest that is expected to produce an ambiguous result, a period of frantic political horse-trading and a bout of national soul-searching. (AP Photo/Matt Dunham) (credit:Matt Dunham/AP)
U.K. Voters Head To The Polls At U.K.'s General Election(70 of99)
A 'teller' takes the electoral number of a voter, left, after casting their vote at a polling station for the general election in Hull, U.K., on Thursday, May 7, 2015. Britain votes on Thursday in the most uncertain election since World War II, a ballot that looks set to be followed by negotiations to secure a parliamentary majority and clashes over who has the legitimacy to govern. Photographer: Chris Ratcliffe/Bloomberg via Getty Images (credit:Bloomberg via Getty Images)
Peter Robinson Casts His Vote As The UK Goes To The Polls(71 of99)
BELFAST, NORTHERN IRELAND - MAY 7: DUP leader Peter Robinson (L) casts his vote alongside east Belfast DUP candidate Gavin Robinson (R) on May 7, 2015 in Belfast, Northern Ireland. The United Kingdom has gone to the polls to vote for a new government in one of the most closely fought General Elections in recent history. With the result too close to call it is anticipated that there will be no overall clear majority winner and a coalition government will have to be formed once again. (Photo by Charles McQuillan/Getty Images) (credit:Charles McQuillan via Getty Images)
U.K. Voters Head To The Polls At U.K.'s General Election(72 of99)
A voter leaves after casting her vote in the general election at a polling station set up in a hairdressing salon in Hull, U.K., on Thursday, May 7, 2015. Britain votes on Thursday in the most uncertain election since World War II, a ballot that looks set to be followed by negotiations to secure a parliamentary majority and clashes over who has the legitimacy to govern. Photographer: Chris Ratcliffe/Bloomberg via Getty Images (credit:Bloomberg via Getty Images)
Deputy Leader Of The DUP, Nigel Dodds, Casts His Vote As The Nation Goes To The Polls(73 of99)
BELFAST, NORTHERN IRELAND - MAY 7: A dog waits for its owners as a couple leave the Seaview Presbyterian church polling station after voting on May 7, 2015 in Belfast, Northern Ireland. The United Kingdom has gone to the polls to vote for a new government in one of the most closely fought General Elections in recent history. With the result too close to call it is anticipated that there will be no overall clear majority winner and a coalition government will have to be formed once again. (Photo by Charles McQuillan/Getty Images) (credit:Charles McQuillan via Getty Images)
Leader Of The Liberal Democrats, Nick Clegg, Casts His Vote As The UK Goes To The Polls(74 of99)
SHEFFIELD, ENGLAND - MAY 07: Liberal Democrat leader and Deputy Prime Minister Nick Clegg and his wife Miriam Gonzalez Durantez leave Hall Park Hill Community Centre after casting their votes, on May 7, 2015 in Sheffield, England. The United Kingdom has gone to the polls to vote for a new government in one of the most closely fought General Elections in recent history. With the result too close to call it is anticipated that there will be no overall clear majority winner and a coalition government will have to be formed once again. (Photo by Dave Thompson/Getty Images) (credit:Dave Thompson via Getty Images)
Alex Salmond Of The SNP Casts His Vote As The UK Goes To The Polls(75 of99)
ELLON, SCOTLAND - MAY 07: A local woman shows her support for SNP candidate for the Gordon constituency and Former First Minister Alex Salmond at his local polling station in the Gordon Constituency on May 07, 2015 in Ellon, Scotland. The United Kingdom has gone to the polls to vote for a new government in one of the most closely fought General Elections in recent history. With the result too close to call it is anticipated that there will be no overall clear majority winner and a coalition government will have to be formed once again. (Photo by Mark Runnacles/Getty Images) (credit:Mark Runnacles via Getty Images)
BRITAIN-VOTE-OPEN(76 of99)
Chelsea pensioners leave a polling station after casting their votes in London on May 7, 2015, as Britain holds a general election. Polls opened Thursday in Britain's closest general election for decades with voters set to decide between the Conservatives of Prime Minister David Cameron, Ed Miliband's Labour and a host of smaller parties. AFP PHOTO / JUSTIN TALLIS (Photo credit should read JUSTIN TALLIS/AFP/Getty Images) (credit:JUSTIN TALLIS via Getty Images)
Alex Salmond Of The SNP Casts His Vote As The UK Goes To The Polls(77 of99)
ELLON, SCOTLAND - MAY 07: SNP candidate for the Gordon constituency and Former First Minister Alex Salmond with first time voter Nicki Falconer and her family, at their local polling station in the Gordon Constituency on May 07, 2015 in Ellon, Scotland. The United Kingdom has gone to the polls to vote for a new government in one of the most closely fought General Elections in recent history. With the result too close to call it is anticipated that there will be no overall clear majority winner and a coalition government will have to be formed once again. (Photo by Mark Runnacles/Getty Images) (credit:Mark Runnacles via Getty Images)
BRITAIN-VOTE-OPEN(78 of99)
Chelsea pensioners leave a polling station after casting their votes in London on May 7, 2015, as Britain holds a general election. Polls opened Thursday in Britain's closest general election for decades with voters set to decide between the Conservatives of Prime Minister David Cameron, Ed Miliband's Labour and a host of smaller parties. AFP PHOTO / JUSTIN TALLIS (Photo credit should read JUSTIN TALLIS/AFP/Getty Images) (credit:JUSTIN TALLIS via Getty Images)
BRITAIN-VOTE-OPEN(79 of99)
An official attaches a sign to a fence outside a polling station set up at the Cafe on the Promenade at Roath Park in Cardiff, south Wales on May 7, 2015, as Britain holds a general election. Polls opened Thursday in Britain's closest general election for decades with voters set to decide between the Conservatives of Prime Minister David Cameron, Ed Miliband's Labour and a host of smaller parties. (Photo credit should read GEOFF CADDICK/AFP/Getty Images) (credit:GEOFF CADDICK via Getty Images)
BRITAIN-VOTE-OPEN(80 of99)
A dog is tied to railings at a polling station in Glasgow, Scotland, on May 7, 2015, as Britain holds a general election. Polls opened Thursday in Britain's closest general election for decades with voters set to decide between the Conservatives of Prime Minister David Cameron, Ed Miliband's Labour and a host of smaller parties. AFP PHOTO / IAN MACNICOL (Photo credit should read Ian MacNicol/AFP/Getty Images) (credit:IAN MACNICOL via Getty Images)
BRITAIN-VOTE-OPEN(81 of99)
Voters wait to cast their votes at a polling station in Elvetham Heath in southern England, on May 7, 2015, as Britain holds a general election. Polls opened Thursday in Britain's closest general election for decades with voters set to decide between the Conservatives of Prime Minister David Cameron, Ed Miliband's Labour and a host of smaller parties. AFP PHOTO / ADRIAN DENNIS (Photo credit should read ADRIAN DENNIS/AFP/Getty Images) (credit:ADRIAN DENNIS via Getty Images)
Leader Of The Scottish Labour Party, Jim Murphy, Casts His Vote As The Nation Goes To The Polls(82 of99)
GLASGOW, SCOTLAND - MAY 07: Leader of the Scottish Labour Party Jim Murphy holds a ballot at a polling station to cast his vote on May 7, 2015 in Glasgow, Scotland. People across Scotland have begun casting their votes in the UK general election, with fifty nine Scottish seats up for grabs. The United Kingdom has gone to the polls to vote for a new government in one of the most closely fought General Elections in recent history. (Photo by Jeff J Mitchell/Getty Images) (credit:Jeff J Mitchell via Getty Images)
BRITAIN-VOTE-OPEN(83 of99)
Members of the public arrive to cast their votes at a polling station in Chipping Norton town hall on May 7, 2015 as Britain holds a general election. Polls opened today in Britain's closest general election for decades with voters set to decide between the Conservatives of Prime Minister David Cameron, Ed Miliband's Labour and a host of smaller parties. AFP PHOTO / LEON NEAL (Photo credit should read LEON NEAL,LEON NEAL/AFP/Getty Images) (credit:AFP via Getty Images)
BRITAIN-VOTE-OPEN(84 of99)
A sign for a polling station at a lifeboat station in Dungeness, southern England on May 7, 2015, as Britain holds a general election. Polls opened today in Britain's closest general election for decades with voters set to decide between the Conservatives of Prime Minister David Cameron, Ed Miliband's Labour and a host of smaller parties. AFP PHOTO / BEN STANSALL (Photo credit should read BEN STANSALL/AFP/Getty Images) (credit:BEN STANSALL via Getty Images)
BRITAIN-VOTE-OPEN(85 of99)
A man attaches a polling sign to the wall of a polling station set up in Mattingley church hall in southern England, on May 7, 2015, as Britain holds a general election. Polls opened today in Britain's closest general election for decades with voters set to decide between the Conservatives of Prime Minister David Cameron, Ed Miliband's Labour and a host of smaller parties. AFP PHOTO / ADRIAN DENNIS (Photo credit should read ADRIAN DENNIS/AFP/Getty Images) (credit:ADRIAN DENNIS via Getty Images)
BRITAIN-VOTE-OPEN(86 of99)
Nuns leave a polling station after voting in London on May 7, 2015 as Britain holds a general election. Polls opened today in Britain's closest general election for decades with voters set to decide between the Conservatives of Prime Minister David Cameron, Ed Miliband's Labour and a host of smaller parties. AFP PHOTO / JUSTIN TALLIS (Photo credit should read JUSTIN TALLIS/AFP/Getty Images) (credit:JUSTIN TALLIS via Getty Images)
BRITAIN-VOTE-OPEN(87 of99)
A voter leaves after casting his vote at the Hove Museum and Art Gallery in Brighton, southern England on May 7, 2015, as Britain holds a general election. Polls opened Thursday in Britain's closest general election for decades with voters set to decide between the Conservatives of Prime Minister David Cameron, Ed Miliband's Labour and a host of smaller parties. AFP PHOTO / GLYN KIRK (Photo credit should read GLYN KIRK/AFP/Getty Images) (credit:GLYN KIRK via Getty Images)
Polling Stations Across The UK(88 of99)
LONDON, UNITED KINGDOM - MAY 07: A voter carry a dog arrives at a polling station in the Borough of Islington on May 7, 2015 in London, United Kingdom. The United Kingdom has gone to the polls to vote for a new government in one of the most closely fought General Elections in recent history. (Photo by Rob Stothard/Getty Images) (credit:Rob Stothard via Getty Images)
BRITAIN-VOTE-OPEN(89 of99)
A returning officer attaches information to the window of a launderette, which will be a polling station in Headington outside Oxford on May 7, 2015 as Britain holds a general election. Polls opened today in Britain's closest general election for decades with voters set to decide between the Conservatives of Prime Minister David Cameron, Ed Miliband's Labour and a host of smaller parties. AFP PHOTO / LEON NEAL (Photo credit should read LEON NEAL/AFP/Getty Images) (credit:LEON NEAL via Getty Images)
Polling Stations Across The UK(90 of99)
REDCAR, UNITED KINGDOM - MAY 07: Voting booths are ready inside a polling station situated in a hairdressers salon on May 7, 2015 in Redcar, England. The nation goes to the polls today to vote on what is said to be one of the closest General Elections in decades. (Photo by Ian Forsyth/Getty Images) (credit:Ian Forsyth via Getty Images)
Polling Stations Across The UK(91 of99)
REDCAR, UNITED KINGDOM - MAY 07: A man walks out of a polling station situated in a hairdressers salon on May 7, 2015 in Redcar, England. The nation goes to the polls today to vote on what is said to be one of the closest General Elections in decades. (Photo by Ian Forsyth/Getty Images) (credit:Ian Forsyth via Getty Images)
BRITAIN-VOTE-OPEN(92 of99)
A woman carrying a dog leaves a polling station in Islington, north London after voting on May 7, 2015 as Britain holds a general election. Polls opened today in Britain's closest general election for decades with voters set to decide between the Conservatives of Prime Minister David Cameron, Ed Miliband's Labour and a host of smaller parties. AFP PHOTO / JUSTIN TALLIS (Photo credit should read JUSTIN TALLIS/AFP/Getty Images) (credit:JUSTIN TALLIS via Getty Images)
Polling Stations Across The UK(93 of99)
REDCAR, UNITED KINGDOM - MAY 07: A polling station sign is tied to a fence next to the local bowling club used as a polling centre on May 7, 2015 in Redcar, England. The nation goes to the polls today to vote on what is said to be one of the closest General Elections in decades. (Photo by Ian Forsyth/Getty Images) (credit:Ian Forsyth via Getty Images)
Polling Stations Across The UK(94 of99)
REDCAR, UNITED KINGDOM - MAY 07: A polling station sign is tied to a fence near a cemetery on May 7, 2015 in Redcar, England. The nation goes to the polls today to vote on what is said to be one of the closest General Elections in decades. (Photo by Ian Forsyth/Getty Images) (credit:Ian Forsyth via Getty Images)
BRITAIN-VOTE-OPEN(95 of99)
Nuns leave a polling station after voting in London on May 7, 2015 as Britain holds a general election. Polls opened today in Britain's closest general election for decades with voters set to decide between the Conservatives of Prime Minister David Cameron, Ed Miliband's Labour and a host of smaller parties. (Photo credit should read JUSTIN TALLIS/AFP/Getty Images) (credit:JUSTIN TALLIS via Getty Images)
General Election 2015 Polling Day - May 7th(96 of99)
A temporary polling station in the car park of a Morrisons Supermarket in Chester as Britain goes to the ballot box today in the most uncertain General Election for decades, with no party on course to emerge a clear winner. (credit:Martin Rickett/PA Wire)
APTOPIX Britain Election(97 of99)
Election Official smile as they operate a polling station inside a launderette in Oxford, England Thursday, May 7, 2015. Polls have opened in Britain's national election, a contest that is expected to produce an ambiguous result, a period of frantic political horse-trading and a bout of national soul-searching. (AP Photo/Alastair Grant) (credit:ASSOCIATED PRESS)
General Election 2015 Polling Day - May 7th(98 of99)
A polling station at the Royal Artillery Museum in Woolwich, east London, on the day of the General Election. (credit:Yui Mok/PA Wire)
Britain Election(99 of99)
Patrons sit outside a pub which is also serving as a polling station in the borough of Kensington, London, Thursday, May 7, 2015. Polls opened in Britain's national election, a contest that is expected to produce an ambiguous result, a period of frantic political horse-trading and a bout of national soul-searching. (AP Photo/David Azia) (credit:David Azia/AP)
In a damning assessment of Mr Miliband's qualities as Labour leader, Mr Crosby said: "He really was a sort of first year politics graduate who thought he had the answers to the world's problems - who'd done a year of the course and it was just that other people hadn't been as smart as him in the past to implement the policies that he believed in. Whereas Cameron was very steady - he's much underestimated and I think a very impressive leader."
Mr Crosby said Mr Miliband's much-mocked decision to engrave his electoral pledges on an eight foot high block of stone had reminded him of a similar stunt he tried while managing a campaign for Australian Labour.
After polling suggested people did not believe the party would keep its promises they had them written on slabs of concrete.
"We lost the election and they were sort of the tombstones for the election and as soon as I saw that I thought, one this has got to be a joke and two - God it's the tombstones and it was an epitaph to his campaign," Mr Crosby added.
He said the turning point for him in the campaign had been the BBC Question Time event in Leeds, when Mr Cameron was seen to turn in a solid performance while Mr Miliband came under fire from the audience over Labour's economic record and tripped on the way off stage.
When Mr Crosby saw the Prime Minister afterwards he said: "That was bloody good mate".
"It might have been stronger than that. He came back to the hotel where we were and we went down and had a nice dinner. I think for him everything came together," he added.