May confirms backing from DUP

After failing to gain a majority in the election, Theresa May has confirmed backing from Democratic Unionist party in order to govern Britain.

Speaking outside number ten, May said: “What the country needs more than ever is certainty, and having secured the largest number of votes and the greatest number of seats in the general election, it is clear that only the Conservative and Unionist party has the legitimacy and ability to provide that certainty by commanding a majority in the House of Commons.”

“Our two parties have enjoyed a strong relationship over many years, and this gives me the confidence to believe that we will be able to work together, in the interests of the whole United Kingdom,” she said.

Whilst she hopes to continue as Prime Minister, others have called for her to step down. 

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“Theresa May’s failure in this election was down to her personality and her policies.” said Ryan Shorthouse, the director of the liberal Conservative thinktank Bright Blue.

“Her poor communication and leadership skills were exposed. She tried to appeal to those on modest incomes with an insultingly hardline approach on Brexit and immigration, and offered nothing substantial to improve their finances or public services in the manifesto. Well, people are not daft.”

“As the successes of David Cameron and Ruth Davidson show, the Conservative party wins when they are led by a liberal Tory, offering compassionate and concrete policies. Theresa May needs to resign as soon as possible and a liberal Tory needs to become the new leader,” he said.

Theresa May’s new allies oppose same-sex marriage and abortion. The DUP used a controversial veto mechanism to block any change to legislation in Northern Ireland.

The party has also previously appointed a climate change denier as environment minister in Northern Ireland.

Despite this news from May, Corbyn still maintains Labour were the true winners of the election. 

“My party has had a huge increase in its vote, gained seats all over the country, in every region of this country and in Scotland and Wales. I think everyone in the Labour party, and everyone who supported the Labour party yesterday – young people, old people, everyone in between – I think they should be very proud of what we have achieved,” he said.