THERESA May’s controversial deal with the DUP has been backed by Chelmsford’s new MP - but has been branded a “coalition of cruelty” by one of her political rivals.

Conservative MP Vicky Ford said she supported the Prime Minister’s decision, despite disagreeing with many of the DUP’s views on social issues, as it was “important at this crucial time” that a Government was formed.

The deal, which will allow the Conservatives to get the Queen’s Speech and Budget through Parliament, will mean £1bn in extra funding for Northern Ireland over the next two years.

Ms Ford said: “With the most seats and most votes, the Conservative Party has been asked by the Queen to form a Government.

“The Conservative Party has agreed a ‘confidence and supply’ deal with the Democratic Unionist Party. This differs from a coalition arrangement. It mean both parties will support key issues like the Budget and the Queen’s Speech, but parties retain the right to vote in favour of their own policies and on issues such as conscience issues.

“Many Chelmsford residents have written to me regarding the DUP’s policies on social issues. As a Member of the European Parliament for the past seven years I have a long track record of supporting equality. As Chelmsford’s Member of Parliament, I will continue to stand up for equal rights. I do not support the death penalty or support making abortion illegal.

“In Government, the Conservatives will continue to promote and champion the equal rights we believe in. This was reaffirmed by the Prime Minister in a meeting with all Conservative MPs which I attended after the election.”

But Chris Vince, who stood for Labour against Ms Ford in the Gen - eral Election, said: “Not only do we now have the coalition of chaos Mrs May warned against, but the magic money tree that didn’t exist for an NHS pay rise has grown overnight so this weak PM can cling to power.

“Perhaps our Tory MP could explain which Chelmsford schools will now suffer even bigger cuts to fund this £1bn+ deal and just why Chelmsford taxpayers are subsidising additional public spending in Northern Ireland.

“The people of Chelmsford deserve better than this deal to keep a divided Tory Party in power. They deserve a Government that will act in the interests of all.

A Labour Government that will work every day for the many, not the few. “Chelmsford Labour, after achieving its best General Election result for nearly 50 years, calls upon Victoria Ford to explain how this behind-closed-doors stitch-up helps the residents of Chelmsford, who will continue to suffer from austerity.

“Will Broomfield A&E now be downgraded because the money has gone to Belfast?

“Will our city’s infrastructure continue to be put at risk just to keep the Tories in power?

“Labour will continue to expose the many failings of this weak and wobbly Tory Government and build upon the trust of the 17,000 people who voted for us in Chelmsford.”

Stephen Robinson, leader of the Chelmsford Liberal Democrat Par - ty said: ”In the election, the Prime Minister warned against a ‘coalition of chaos’ but has delivered her own ‘coalition of cruelty’. She now has the support of a party many of whom’s members have views out of place in the 21st century.

“By buying votes from Northern Ireland’s 10 DUP MPs, Mrs May has proved that the Conservatives are still the nasty party.

“Our schools are crumbling and our NHS and social care are in crisis. Rather than find money for those services, Theresa May choos -es to throw cash at ten MPs in a grubby attempt to keep her Cabinet squatting in No 10.

“Theresa May must make all the details of this agreement public immediately, so we can judge for ourselves if she is acting in the best interests of the country or simply of her own party.

“It would be better for the people of Northern Ireland if the DUP worked on restoring a devolved ex - ecutive at Stormont.

“They should be bringing the political stability that is needed for inward investment and growth, rather than demanding cash from the Treasury.”