(UDHAYAM, UNITED KINGDOM) – Theresa May is expected to finalise her team of Ministers later as she seeks to form a Government with the support of the Democratic Unionist Party (DUP).
Ministers say initial talks have begun with Northern Ireland’s DUP after the Conservatives failed to secure a majority in Thursday’s (08) election.
The Tories needed 326 seats to win but fell short by eight. The DUP won 10.
Labour has urged Mrs. May to “make way” for it to form a Government and she also faces criticism over the DUP deal.
The leader of the Scottish Conservatives, Ruth Davidson, tweeted a link to a speech she had made about same-sex marriage – something the DUP opposes.
A number of high-profile Government figures have already confirmed they are keeping their jobs in the wake of an election that saw the Tories lose 13 seats.
Philip Hammond will stay as Chancellor, Boris Johnson will remain as Foreign Secretary and Amber Rudd – narrowly re-elected as a Member of Parliament (MP) after a recount – will continue as Home Secretary.
David Davis will also stay on as Brexit Secretary and Sir Michael Fallon will keep his role as Defence Secretary.
But eight Ministers lost their seats at the general election and will need to be replaced.
Mrs May announced her intention to work with the DUP to form a Government on Friday (09), just hours after an election that has left the United Kingdom (UK) with a hung Parliament for the second time in seven-years.
