THE election result will make getting a good Brexit deal “more difficult”, according to a North Yorkshire MP.

A strong government majority in Parliament would have given Britain the best chance of a good deal and without it things look trickier, Ryedale MP Kevin Hollinrake said.

Mr Hollinrake was re-elected on Thursday, and yesterday backed Theresa May, saying his party must not indulge in “navel gazing” internal discussions about leadership when Brexit looms.

He added: “I never wanted a hard Brexit, but I did want the best possible deal for the UK - having a strong majority in Parliament was the best chance of that.”

Mr Hollinrake also downplayed fears about a Tory deal with the DUP- who oppose same-sex marriage and abortion.

“I don’t think people should be concerned - this is part of the scaremongering that goes on in politics.”

There should be no question of a deal with DUP conditional on “watering down” gay rights or same sex marriage, he added.

“Quite a few people have contacted me concerned about the DUP. I would absolutely oppose anything that would water down basic human rights.”

Selby MP Nigel Adams said there was “nothing new” about parties ruling with DUP support.

“The DUP has some values that we don’t share - but the DUP has been a party for 20-odd years and it has supported both Labour and Conservative governments. What’s important is that we have a stable government that is allowed to get the country through very difficult negotiations.”

Mr Adams, who backed Boris Johnson for leader after the EU referendum, also said Theresa May should remain as Prime Minister. “The Conservative party won the most seats with the biggest share of the vote since 1983. She should be given the opportunity to form a government and to take Britain forward in Brexit.”