UK: May strikes deal with DUP, record female MPs elected

Theresa May has struck a deal with the Democratic Unionists (DUP) to allow her to form a government – May is expected to see the Queen at 12.30 today to confirm the agreement.

It has not yet been decided whether there will be a formal coalition or the Unionists will simply offer support for the government in return for support for some of their policies.

The Tories secured 318 seats in the general election, eight short of winning an outright majority. Joining forces with the DUP – who won 10 of Northern Ireland’s 18 seats – will give May the narrow numbers she needs to pass legislation in the House of Commons.

Read: What happens with Brexit if there’s no clear winner of UK election?

UK Independence Party leader, Paul Nutall – who has described radical Islam as a “cancer” – has resigned after the party failed to win even one seat in the general election.

Parliament will have the highest number of female MPs ever as more than 200 women were voted into parliament.

#GE2017

Update: After speaking with the Queen Theresa May says the Tories will work with the DUP to lead Britain out of the EU. Speaking outside the parliament May said she can rely on the support of her friends in the DUP with whom she’s had a strong relationship over many years.