The leader of the Ulster Unionist Party David Trimble has denied newspaper reports suggesting a future for him as leader of the Conservative Party.

Mr Trimble confirmed on BBC Radio 4's Today programme that he wanted closer links between his party and the Tories.

But he said he had "enough problems" leading the Ulster Unionists and had "no desire to take on an even bigger task".

Mr Trimble said he wanted to see Northern Ireland politicians get a voice at the heart of UK politics.

At the moment, he said, the Labour Party discriminates against MPs representing seats in Northern Ireland.

No intention

Mr Trimble explained Ulster Unionists and Conservatives had been working closer together at the European Parliament, and had held talks "from time-to-time" about working closer together in the UK.

"What I have said again and again is that I want to see Ulster Unionism at the heart of British national politics," Mr Trimble told Today.

He dismissed newspaper reports at the weekend that he might be in the running to become Tory leader after a merger of the two parties.

He had the "onerous" position of leader of the Ulster Unionist Party and had no "desire" or "intention" of taking on the leadership of the Conservative Party.