May fights for deal

Ultra conservatives courted as PM ditches aides

BRITISH Prime Minister Theresa May’s office said yesterday talks were still ongoing with the Democratic Unionist Party on seeking its support for a Conservative government after earlier saying an outline agreement had been reached.

May’s Conservatives lost their parliamentary majority in a humiliating election last week and now need the support of the 10 MPs from Northern Ireland’s ultraconservative DUP to pass votes, sparking widespread calls for her to resign.

“The Prime Minister has tonight spoken with the DUP to discuss finalising a confidence and supply deal when Parliament returns next week,” a Downing Street spokeswoman said, referring to a deal whereby the DUP would support the government but not enter a formal coalition. “We will welcome any such deal being agreed, as it will provide the stability and certainty the whole country requires as we embark on Brexit and beyond.”

The new statement came after Downing Street earlier said the DUP had agreed to the principles of an outline agreement to support a Conservative government.

The DUP said the “talks so far have been positive”, adding, “discussions will continue”.

There was no mention of what concessions the DUP may have asked for, amid growing concern about the influence of a party opposed to abortion and gay marriage.

The DUP has proved hugely controversial in the past over the views of some of its representatives.

May is struggling to reassert her leadership, having called an election three years early hoping to strengthen her hand going into Brexit negotiations – only to see the gamble backfire spectacularly.

May, 60, lost her two closest aides at the weekend.

Media reports suggested senior party figures demanded the departure of May’s joint chiefs of staff, Nick Timothy and Fiona Hill.