THERESA May declared “let’s get to work” yesterday as she vowed to form a government to “lead Britain forward at this critical time”.
Despite losing her overall Commons majority, May revealed she will not step down, confirming she would instead pursue a deal with Northern Ireland’s Democratic Unionists (DUP) to cling on to power.
Facing the cameras outside Downing Street after a formal meeting with the Queen, May said only the Tories have the “legitimacy” to hold office.
However, Labour said they were the real winners after gaining 29 seats, putting them on 261 to the Tories’ 318.
Jeremy Corbyn said he is “ready to serve the country” and called on May to stand down.
But, announcing her intention to work with her DUP “friends” in order to secure Westminster dominance, May said: “We will work together in the interests of the whole United Kingdom.
“This will allow us to come together as a country and channel our energies towards a successful Brexit deal that works for everyone.
“That’s what people voted for last June. That’s what we will deliver. Now let’s get to work.”
Despite the comments, no formal agreement had been made last night.
DUP leader Arlene Foster, whose involvement in the cash for ash scandal led to the collapse of the power-sharing agreement in Stormont, confirmed she had spoken with May and discussions to “explore how it may be possible to bring stability to our nation at this time of great challenge” had begun.
The move comes despite the major challenges faced by the DUP and other parties in Northern Ireland, where the devolved parliament is still in disarray.
It is understood that the party, which campaigned to leave the EU, is pursuing a confidence and supply arrangement and aims to secure additional resources for Northern Ireland and more influence in trade deals.
Foster said: “The DUP will always strive for the best deal for Northern Ireland and its people.
“But equally we want the best for all of the United Kingdom, and these are challenging times.
“Negotiations on our exit from the European Union are about to commence, and we now face uncertainty at Westminster.”
However, LibDem leader Tim Farron, whose party managed 12 seats, hit out at this “coalition of chaos” and accused May of putting her “party before her country”.
He said: “She has been found out, she should be ashamed. If she has an ounce of self-respect, she will resign.”
The DUP talks also sparked strong reaction from equal rights groups, with the LGBT equality charity Stonewall speaking out against the party’s record.
This includes support for a “conscience clause” to protect those who discriminate against LGBT people and oppose same-sex marriage in Northern Ireland, despite public support for the measure.
Scottish Conservative leader Ruth Davidson, who is engaged to partner Jen Wilson, made no direct comment, but tweeted a link to a Pride address she gave in Northern Ireland last year, writing: “As a Protestant Unionist about to marry an Irish Catholic, here’s the Amnesty Pride lecture I gave in Belfast.”
Ruth Hunt, chief executive of Stonewall, said: “We share the concerns of countless LGBT people, and our friends, of all political persuasions who are deeply anxious about the potential Democratic Unionist Party involvement in the new government.
“The DUP have a poor record on LGBT rights. Although the party leader claims they are not anti-LGBT, the DUP have vetoed same-sex marriage in Northern Ireland five times, despite a majority of the public and representatives being in favour.
“A party that constantly misuses its veto in this way is not a party that shares Stonewall’s values or the values of most people across the UK.”
Hunt went on: “It’s important to remember that our values are defined as much by who we stand with as what we stand for.
“It’s vital that the Conservative Party stand firm on LGBT equality, and the Prime Minister makes that clear from the outset.
“Many LGBT people still face discrimination and abuse every day.”
Meanwhile, May is to leave her most senior cabinet members in place after her snap election gamble backfired.
Chancellor Philip Hammond, Foreign Secretary Boris Johnson, Home Secretary Amber Rudd, Brexit Secretary David Davis and Defence Secretary Michael Fallon will all keep their jobs, according to Downing Street.
There had been speculation that Hammond in particular would be vulnerable if the Prime Minister had been returned, as she had hoped, with an increased majority.
But after seeing her Commons majority wiped out on a night of humiliation for the Tories, she was left with limited room for manoeuvre when it came to re-shaping her top team.
Why are you making commenting on The National only available to subscribers?
We know there are thousands of National readers who want to debate, argue and go back and forth in the comments section of our stories. We’ve got the most informed readers in Scotland, asking each other the big questions about the future of our country.
Unfortunately, though, these important debates are being spoiled by a vocal minority of trolls who aren’t really interested in the issues, try to derail the conversations, register under fake names, and post vile abuse.
So that’s why we’ve decided to make the ability to comment only available to our paying subscribers. That way, all the trolls who post abuse on our website will have to pay if they want to join the debate – and risk a permanent ban from the account that they subscribe with.
The conversation will go back to what it should be about – people who care passionately about the issues, but disagree constructively on what we should do about them. Let’s get that debate started!
Callum Baird, Editor of The National
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereLast Updated:
Report this comment Cancel