KINVER MP Gavin Williamson is back at Westminster after being dispatched to Belfast at the weekend to secure a deal with the Democratic Unionist Party.

Mr Williamson, 40, flew out to Northern Ireland to open discussions with the DUP as Prime Minister Theresa May hopes to shore up her place in Number 10.

Mrs May lost her Commons majority after her decision to call a snap General Election backfired, leaving the Tory’s eight seats short of a majority.

But the PM is hoping to get the backing of the 10 DUP MPs.

The Kinver MP, who has been kept on as Chief Whip by the Prime Minister after retaining his South Staffordshire seat on Thursday, returned to Westminster on Monday but is continuing to lead the talks with the Unionists.

DUP leader Arlene Foster has indicated a deal with the Tory's is close to being finalised.

Speaking after hours of talks between the two parties, the former First Minister said Brexit, counter-terrorism and "doing what's right" for the Northern Ireland economy, were among the key issues being thrashed out.

Discussions in Westminster are continuing without Theresa May after she left for Paris for a pre-arranged meeting with newly elected president Emmanuel Macron.

Mrs Foster said: “We've had some very good discussions today and those discussions are continuing this afternoon.

“I hope that we can reach a conclusion sooner than later.”

A Downing Street source said the talks had been “constructive” but refused to put a timescale on when they would conclude.

“It'll be done when it's done,” they added. “Talks are going well.”

Mr Williamson, who is reportedly well-liked within the Tory Party, comfortably held onto his seat after increasing his South Staffordshire vote share by 10.3 per cent as 35,656 of his constituents backed him at the polls.

After beating off the challenge of Labour’s Adam Freeman – who received 12,923 votes – he also retained his post of Chief Whip after previously serving as David Cameron's parliamentary private secretary.