The DUP will still have 'leverage' over the Tories after the general election , according to a candidate for the unionist party.

Lagan Valley candidate Sir Jeffrey Donaldson reckons that Boris Johnson will not enjoy a 'huge majority' come December 13.

And that means the Tories could still rely on the DUP to push through crucial votes in parliament – although the party is set against his Brexit deal.

Theresa May's disastrous 2017 election performance meant she was forced to enter into a 'confidence and supply' arrangement with the party which had secured 10 MPs.

And the DUP were able to secure more than £1bn for Northern Ireland as part of the deal.

Speaking as part of a panel of representatives from the five main political parties in Northern Ireland who were invited to address business leaders, Sir Jeffrey said: "I am not convinced Boris Johnson is going to come back with a huge majority and I think that gives us leverage.

"Whilst we can go to Westminster and we can do what we do, I believe it is ultimately much more powerful if there is a collective voice from Northern Ireland saying what we need."

Today Boris Johnson visited a washing machine manufacturer in the north-east of England as he embarks on a series of election campaign visits in the region.

The Prime Minister met workers and tried his hand at moulding parts at the Ebac factory in Newton Aycliffe.

Mr Johnson posed through drums and placed "Made in Britain" stickers on new machines as he toured the factory – the UK's only washing machine manufacturer.

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