Stormont: TUV select Timothy Gaston to replace party leader in Assembly
It follows Jim Allister becoming an MP after the General Election
Timothy Gaston has been selected to replace TUV leader and newly-elected MP Jim Allister as the party's MLA for Mid and East Antrim
Mr Allister has swapped his seat at Stormont for Westminster after edging out longstanding MP and DUP veteran Ian Paisley in north Antrim.
The Electoral Office of Northern Ireland today (Tuesday) confirmed that Mr Gaston has been returned to serve as an MLA for North Antrim.
Mr Gaston previously served as deputy mayor for Mid and East Antrim.
It is the fourth Stormont co-option following the General Election.
In Lagan Valley, Alliance councillor Michelle Guy was selected to replace Sorcha Eastwood. In North Antrim, UUP councillor Colin Crawford was chosen to replace Robin Swann who was elected as MP in South Antrim, while independent North Down MP Alex Easton selected DUP councillor Peter Martin for his Assembly seat.