Trimble faces rebellion over plan for closer links with Tories

David Trimble, the Ulster Unionist Party leader, was facing a grassroots rebellion yesterday against moves to forge stronger links between the party and the Conservatives.

He confirmed he had held informal discussions with Tories over working more closely in Westminster, but both parties denied it was a step towards a full merger. Any deal could involve the Unionists taking the Tory whip and the parties co-operating on policy development.

Mr Trimble said: "I want to see Ulster Unionism at the heart of British politics. I don't see any justification for our being excluded from national politics, which in many respects we are.

"Yes, I have talked to the Conservatives – I have done that on a number of occasions. We do work together, we work very closely together, for example in Europe, and we consider from time to time what we can do here within the UK."

Jeffrey Donaldson, a Unionist MP seen as a rival to Mr Trimble, refused to give the talks his full backing. "I think it's important the Ulster Unionists retain their own policy-making capability in matters on Northern Ireland," he said.

Fred Cobain, a North Belfast assembly member, said: "To forge closer links now would be political suicide."

A historic link between the parties dates back to the 19th century when, as the Conservative and Unionist Party, they jointly opposed Irish home rule. But the alliance came under pressure in the 1970s, culminating in the signing of the 1973 Sunningdale power-sharing agreement. Ulster Unionist MPs lost the Conservative whip the following year.