The UK’s biggest foodbank charity has been “overwhelmed” with hundreds of donations in the wake of Thursday’s general election. 

With the Conservative Party – which introduced austerity measures in 2010 and implemented the Universal Credit benefits system – winning a huge majority, fears have been raised about the potential impact of Tory policy over the coming years. 

April to September 2019 were the busiest months the Trussell Trust has ever seen, and the introduction of a five-week wait for payments for Universal Credit has been specifically cited as one of the leading reasons for referral to the charity.

Within minutes of the exit poll figures being released late on Thursday evening, questions were already being asked about how those rooting for opposition parties could support some of the nation’s most vulnerable people in the event of a landslide victory for Boris Johnson’s party.

With Trussell Trust staff inundated with calls, it’s not yet clear just how much has been raised for the charity in regular payments and one-off donations, but a spokesperson confirmed the team had received “hundreds” of donations. 

Emma Revie, chief executive of the Trussell Trust said “We’re overwhelmed by the wave of support we’ve seen today. Thank you so much to everyone who has been donating – we’re incredibly grateful.

“We know we can reach a future where no one needs a food bank, but we can’t do it alone. We must work together – this can change.”