May clings to power as centrist Tories urge her to quit

Theresa May has obtained permission from the Queen to form a minority government with the Democratic Unionist Party of Northern Ireland, defying pressure for her to quit.

In a short statement delivered outside 10 Downing Street soon after 1pm on 9 June, May said she would form a government with support from the DUP. She said the government would “lead Britain forward at this critical time”, ensure a “successful Brexit” and deliver a “new partnership with the European Union that guarantees the UK’s long-term prosperity”.

A large number of mostly centrist Conservatives have urged May to stand down. In an Evening Standard leader column, former chancellor George Osborne said her authority within the party was now “non-existent” and that a deal with the DUP “will mean London taxpayers sending yet more money to Northern Ireland”.