IT was a day of drama which changed Britain forever.

After months of campaigning for one of the most vital polls in a generation, Britain finally decided its relationship with the EU.

And in a knife-edge referendum which has seen one of the most personally bitter political battles in the country’s recent history it was the Leave campaign emerging victorious.

The result has divided the nation - leading to Prime Minister David Cameron dramatically resigning, shockwaves being sent through the financial and currency markets and the potential break-up of Great Britain.

Hampshire played a vital part in the astonishing turn of events with the country backing Brexit by 51.9 per cent opposed to 48.1 per cent wishing to stay.

Voters in Southampton, Eastleigh, Fareham, the New Forest, Test Valley, Gosport and Portsmouth all voted to leave in shock results which filtered across the UK.

Winchester was pro-remain - one of three in the county including East Hampshire and Hart. 

As the numbers for Southampton were called out – 57,927 to leave and 49,738 to remain – there was rapturous applause and cheers from councillors and MPs who attended the count. 

The national results rocked the banking sectors with the pound plummeting to its lowest level against the dollar for 30 years and leading businesses fearing it will cripple the economy.

Now the country’s future is uncertain as officials are set to begin talks about negotiations with EU chiefs over its ‘divorce’.

It was that which led to the resignation of Prime Minister David Cameron who just hours after the result was confirmed announced he would step down from his role by October, triggering a Tory leadership election.

Senior Brexit campaigner Boris Johnson, now tipped to take the top job, hailed the Prime Minister as a “brave and principled man” and insisted the Leave vote would give the UK a “glorious opportunity” for a brighter future.

Ukip leader Nigel Farage initially came close to conceding defeat, admitting he believed that Remain had “nicked it” and vowing to fight on for withdrawal from the EU.

But after votes piled up for Leave he hailed an escape from the EU, and said he hoped the vote for Brexit would bring down the entire “failed project”.

Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn now faces a vote of no confidence from his party – although last night this was being countered by a vote of confidence from other campaigners.

Within the Labour ranks, Mr Corbyn was the focus of anger from MPs who believe he did not campaign hard enough for a Remain vote, and from those who claim the party did not do enough to address concerns about immigration.

Senior backbencher Dame Margaret Hodge, who tabled the no confidence motion, urged him to “do the decent thing” and follow Mr Cameron’s lead in quitting.

The political landscape faces further upheaval with Scotland and Northern Ireland firmly voting to Remain – leading to Nicola Sturgeon demanding a second Independence referendum – and calls for Northern Ireland to unite with the Republic of Ireland.

Royston Smith, MP for Southampton Itchen, said the city’s result was “expected” saying it sent a “strong message” to the rest of the country.

But he said David Cameron’s resignation is a “huge disappointment”, adding: “I have no idea what will happen next or who will be taking over, all those that are interested in the position will now apply.”

Labour Southampton City Councillor Satvir Kaur was “very disappointed” by the result, and is fearful for families and business owners across Southampton who depended on the EU for their livelihoods. 

Leader of Southampton City Council Simon Letts said: “The country has spoken and we need to make the best of that decision. We need to work through the implications of that decision and there will be a lot of uncertainty for upwards of two years.

“It would be good to get some certainty back and I expect petrol prices will go up on Monday as they are traded in dollars.

“I expect it will all end in tears.”

Southampton’s figures were 57,927 votes to leave and 49,738 votes to remain with a 68.14 per cent turnout.

Winchester voted 42,878 remain and 29,886 leave with an 81.3 per cent turnout, while Eastleigh had 39,902 votes to leave and 36,172 votes to stay with 78.3 per cent turnout and the New Forest had 64,541 votes to leave and 47,199 votes to stay with 79.2 per cent turnout.

Fareham had 39,525 votes to leave compared to 32,210 votes to stay and a 79.6 per cent turnout, Gosport had 29,456 votes to leave and 16,671 votes to stay with turnout of 73.5 per cent, the Test Valley had 39,091 votes to leave and 36,170 to stay with 79.6 per cent turnout.

The Isle of Wight had 49,173 votes to leave and 30,207 votes to stay with 72.3 per cent turnout.