May: I’m gonna stay

Vows to forge Brit gov’t after elex slap

British Prime Minister Theresa May vowed Friday to form a new government after her Conservative Party lost its parliamentary majority — a shattering blow just days before talks on Britain’s EU departure are set to begin.

“I will now form a government — a government that can provide certainty and lead Britain forward at this critical time for our country,” a grimfaced May (right) said Friday outside 10 Downing St.

Rejecting calls to resign, May promised no delays in Brexit negotiations with the European Union that are scheduled to begin on June 19.

“What the country needs more than ever is certainty,” said May, who had called for the “snap election” on April 18 — three years ahead of schedule — in the hopes of boosting her party’s ranks in Parliament.

Instead, her election gamble to gain strength in the EU negotiations fizzled, the Conservatives lost their majority and Jeremy Corbyn’s rival Labor Party gained strength.

A triumphant Corbyn said he wanted to form a minority government because the country “had enough of austerity poli- tics.” May said she will rely on the support of her “friends” in Northern Ireland’s Democratic Unionist Party to provide the numbers she needs to pass legislation in the House of Commons.

The DUP said only that it would enter talks.

“The prime minister has spoken with me this morning, and we will enter discussions with the Conservatives to explore how it may be possible to bring stability to our nation at this time of great challenge,” DUP leader Arlene Foster told reporters.

EU leaders fear that a “hung Parliament” could delay the Brexit talks.

The original Tory “hard Brexit” vision calls for severing all ties with the EU. But the UK may be forced to seek a “soft Brexit,” which calls for keeping borders open and reducing tariffs on British exports.

“What tonight is about is the rejection of Theresa May’s version of extreme Brexit,” said Keir Starmer, Labor’s policy chief on Britain’s withdrawal.

With 649 of 650 seats in the House of Commons declared, the Conservatives had 318 — short of the 326 needed for a majority and below the 330 seats they had before the election.