Arlene Foster is set to step down as DUP leader and Northern Ireland’s first minister following calls from within DUP party ranks to hold a leadership contest.
In a statement, Mrs Foster said: “It is important to give space over the next few weeks for the Party Officers to make arrangements for the election of a new leader.”
She described serving the people of Northern Ireland as “the privilege of my life”.
She added: “The future of unionism and Northern Ireland will not be found in division. It will only be found in sharing this place we are privileged to call home.”
The news comes as 75% of the DUP’s Northern Ireland Assembly members signed a letter requesting a leadership contest.
The party said it would not be commenting.
In addition, a letter was sent from DUP councillors to the party chairman, Lord Morrow, stating they were “severely worried” about the state of the party under the current leadership:
“We as councillors and as members are deeply concerned about the future of unionism, Ulster conservatism and the DUP,” the letter states.
“As members and councillors, we have received the brunt of the anger from our voter base caused by ineffective leadership.”
Editor-in-Chief | Carl D. Pearson has been involved in British politics and media from an early age, with the key knowledge of what it takes to run a news organisation for the 21st century. Mr Pearson, as Editor-in-chief, is responsible for supervising the daily tasks of publishing media and content to UNN’s website and various platforms.
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