Theresa May has struck a deal with Northern Irish party Democratic Unionists in order to form a government, after failing to reach a majority with just the Conservatives.

May is expected to pay a visit to Buckingham Palace to see the Queen at around 12.30pm to confirm the deal. If the coalition goes ahead, the Conservatives and the DUP will have a majority of three seats.

A DUP source said: “We want there to be a government. We have worked well with May. The alternative is intolerable.”

“For as long as Corbyn leads Labour, we will ensure there’s a Tory PM.”

The DUP have insisted that they have been close to May’s team since she became prime minister 11 months ago.