After an the Conservatives failed to gain a majority result in yesterday's snap election, Prime Minister Theresa May has announced that the Queen has approved her plan to form a coalition government.
The prime minister, who found herself eight seats short of the 326 needed to command a majority, has turned to the Northern Irish Democratic Unionist Party (DUP) in an attempt to hold onto government.
Speaking after visiting Buckingham Palace, she said only her party could form a legitimate administration after winning the most seats and votes.
Credit: PA
Advert
She also said that she would work with 'friends and allies' in the DUP to take forward Brexit, of which she commented: "Let's get on with it."
But who exactly are the Democratic Unionist Party, what do they stand for and what will a Tory/DUP coalition government mean for the rest of us?
Who are they?
The DUP is the largest unionist political party in Northern Ireland, led by Arlene Foster in Belfast and Sir Jeffery Donaldson in Westminster.
The party won 10 of Northern Ireland's 18 seats in yesterday's General Election, making a gain of two from 2015.
They are the fifth largest party in Westminster, and want to scrap the bedroom tax and continue to work towards a living wage.
DUP leader Arlene Foster. Credit: PA
Advert
What's in their manifesto?
The DUP backs Brexit but, unlike the Tories, they support a 'soft' exit from the EU. This is largely due to the fact that they are keen to avoid a hard border with Ireland.
They have also promised to keep winter fuel payments and the triple lock on pensions, two things the Tories were ready to scrap.
As far as Brexit negotiations are concerned, the party detailed a 30-point wish list in its manifesto, which included issues such as ensuring a frictionless border, maintaining the Common Travel Area and keeping ease of trade, throughout the EU.
The DUP also backs Trident and stands staunchly against issues such as same-sex marriage and women's right to abortion. Some members have also been vocal critics of climate change.
Credit: PA
Advert
What will they demand?
Leaving the EU is likely to be the key issue when it comes to negotiating a deal with the Tories, and party leader Arlene Foster has spoken against a 'hard Brexit.
She has previously said: "No one wants to see a 'hard' Brexit. What we want to see is a workable plan to leave the European Union, and that's what the national vote was about - therefore we need to get on with that."
They are also likely to ask for more money for Northern Ireland in return for propping the Tories up.
Credit: PA
Advert
Loyalist links
The party has strong historical links to Loyalist paramilitary groups - in particular the group Ulster Resistance, which was founded by people who went on to become prominent DUP politicians.
Peter Robinson, the DUP's former leader, was an active member of the group.
Advert
Words: Paddy Maddison