ON election night, I’m normally in front of the television from 10pm, anorak in hand, waiting for the exit poll result to come through.

Last week, I was at South Northumberland Cricket Club, where Graeme Swann was giving his unedited views on Kevin Pietersen, as my phone began to buzz with the news.

Until then, I’d been trying to predict how many days it would take to form a Government, given the seemingly inevitable hung Parliament.

It suddenly became clear the answer was not very long at all, and the outcome would be a Conservative majority.

There is undoubtedly some relief among NECC members, not for party political reasons, but for the potential for stability, which is perhaps the one thing business craves most of all.

But having said that, Mr Cameron’s majority with a Conservative Government is considerably smaller than it was as a coalition.

When he faces potentially contentious decisions over Heathrow expansion, HS2 or energy infrastructure, he will have to show strong leadership to get good decisions through the Commons.

And there are two particular areas where instability looms large.

One is Europe, with the promise of an in/out referendum. NECC members have shown a clear preference for staying in Europe.

However, with a negotiation of our relationship now taking place, the first step is to make sure the best outcome for business is achieved so there is a strong argument for remaining in.

The second is the position of Scotland.

With the SNP surge, questions are bound to arise over the constitutional position.

It’s vital the North-East’s voice is heard in that debate, as changes for our near neighbours will impact on the region’s competitiveness.

Of course, the North-East will want to see its own form of devolution, to deliver policies better tailored to our region and not based on South-East circumstances.

The role of Stockton South MP James Wharton in driving the Northern Powerhouse could be crucial.

His appointment will hopefully ensure the process involves the North-East and goes beyond core cities.

But devolution will also require Labour local government leaders to strike a deal with Conservative national leaders.

That will be a test of both sides’ ability to compromise after a bitter election campaign.

Hopefully Kevin Pietersen’s relationship with the England team is not the model they look to.