DUP leadership: Sir Jeffrey Donaldson set to announce fresh bid
Sir Jeffrey Donaldson is expected to confirm his interest in becoming the new leader of the DUP later today (Monday).
It is understood the Lagan Valley MP is likely to be the only candidate throwing his hat into the ring..
Nominations opened on Saturday and will close at midday on Tuesday.
The next leader will then be ratified by the DUP's central executive committee on Saturday.
It comes following a turbulent two months for the DUP that saw former leader Arlene Foster resign after an internal heave against her and her successor Edwin Poots follow suit after he was also fatally weakened by a party revolt.
His resignation on Thursday night came after just three weeks in the post.
It was prompted by his decision to press ahead with reconstituting the Stormont Executive alongside Sinn Fein, despite a significant majority of his MPs and MLAs being vociferously opposed to the move.
First Minister Paul Givan remains in post. It has been reported that he has been urged to resign when a new leader is in place.
Once Mr Givan resigns, deputy First Minister Michelle O'Neill will also be removed from her post, triggering a seven-day period during which new office holders must be nominated or a fresh Assembly election will be called.