Edwin Poots to "turn down First Minister role" if leadership bid succeeds

It's understood Edwin Poots will turn down the role of First Minister if elected DUP leader.

According to media reports today, the Lagan Valley MLA sees the leadership role as the most important.

Yesterday Mr. Poots’ campaign manager Paul Frew claimed the current Agriculture Minister has received endorsements from “a majority of the electoral college”.

No-one else has so far stepped forward to challenge Mr. Poots in his campaign to succeed Arlene Foster, however its reported Sir Jeffrey Donaldson could join the leadership race tomorrow.

We've contacted the DUP for comment.

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