LONDON _ A weakened Theresa May vowed to lead Britain out of the European Union as she battled to stay on as prime minister even after losing her parliamentary majority in a failed election gamble.
"What the country needs more than ever is certainty," she said after visiting Buckingham Palace to get permission to form a new government from the Queen. She concluded her short statement by saying "now, let's get to work."
May's Conservatives will rely on Northern Ireland's Democratic Unionist Party to pass laws in the House of Commons after losing the right to rule Britain on their own in Thursday's vote. The two parties reached an understanding on Friday that will allow her to hold on to power for now.
May worked fast as she fought to stay but her future is far from certain. She remains vulnerable and her position will be at risk if any senior minister refuses to serve in her government or calls on her to resign. She will appoint Cabinet ministers later in the day.
The premier was also not clear about the precise nature of the government she will lead with DUP support _ but it appears to be less formal than a full, two-party coalition.
"We will continue to work with our friends and allies in the Democratic Unionist Party in particular," she said. "Our two parties have enjoyed a strong relationship over many years and this gives me the confidence to believe that we will be able to work together in the interests of the whole United Kingdom."
The prime minister called the early election back in April in order to strengthen her position ahead of Brexit negotiations. The election drew irritation from the continent and complaints May's decision to call an election had only served to complicate the Brexit negotiations that were due to start the week after next.
"We don't know when Brexit talks start," EU President Donald Tusk said on Twitter. "We know when they must end. Do your best to avoid a 'no deal' as result of 'no negotiations.'"
At the time it seemed like a safe bet, with her Conservative Party riding 20-points ahead of Jeremy Corbyn's left-wing Labour opposition in opinion polls. But a series of policy blunders, two terrorist attacks, and a populist Labour platform for government derailed the Tory campaign.
With a handful of results still to be declared, May's Tories are projected to take 318 out of 650 seats in the House of Commons, 12 fewer than before she called the election. Corbyn's Labour Party increased their standing, winning 29 seats to take their total so far to 261.
_ With assistance from Robert Hutton and Eddie Buckle
