Edwin Poots puts ministerial role on hold while he has cancer surgery
Northern Ireland's Agriculture minister Edwin Poots is stepping away from the role while he has cancer treatment.
Mr Poots is waiting for surgery after being diagnosed with kidney cancer.
In a statement the DUP said Mr Poots was leaving his role from Tuesday to facilitate "surgery and recuperation'' .
Junior minister Gordon Lyons will be taking on the role in the meantime.
Foyle MLA Gary Middleton will take on the responsibilities of junior minister in the Office of the First Minister.
First Minister and DUP leader Arlene Foster said: "We give Edwin our best wishes and assure him and his family of our prayers. This is a temporary change, and we look forward to having Edwin back at work, having made a full recovery.''
Last month Mr Poots said a tumour on his kidney was discovered by chance when he underwent surgery on a burst appendix before Christmas.
A scan taken as part of his treatment detected the growth on his kidney.
The 55-year-old Lagan Valley representative said surgery to remove the kidney was delayed due to the disruption to non-Covid services caused by the pandemic.
He continued his ministerial work as he awaited the procedure.
He said his prognosis was good and that he was hugely grateful that the cancer growth had been detected by chance.
Mr Poots added that he did not have symptoms and was otherwise feeling well when it was found.