Poots officially ratified as DUP's new leader

Edwin Poots has been officially ratified as the new leader of the Democratic Unionist Party.

Stormont's Agri Minister beat Sir Jeffrey Donaldson MP to the top spot earlier this month, in the party's first contest for leader.

Mr Poots was formally ratified in a meeting a Belfast hotel on Thursday evening.

You can watch his acceptance speech here.

The night was not without drama - outgoing leader Mrs Foster left before Mr Poots took to the stand to make his inaugural speech as leader, as did other senior figures including Sir Jeffrey Donaldson, Gavin Robinson, Diane Dodds and Gregory Campbell.

Paul Bell, a DUP member from Arlene Foster's Fermanagh and South Tyrone constituency, dramatically resigned from the party after Mr Poots' ratification.

He said "a coup...publicly assassinated our leader."

However, Mr Poots paid tribute to Ms Foster's leadership of the party.

He said: "I want to take an opportunity also to pay tribute to my predecessor.

"I know that the last few weeks has been difficult for her, as they have been for all of us.

"But I can't say honestly that no matter what background or place we come from, Arlene is and will be regarded as one of the most foremost women and unionists in British politics.

"Irrespective of our differences in any issues that have brought us here this evening, she is admired by us all.

"She has made history, and her time in politics. I have no doubt she will go on to do even greater things. History will ultimately be kind to her in its final analysis. I wish her and her family well.''

It comes after the DUP Fermanagh and Tyrone Association released a statement expressing its "disgust'' at the treatment of outgoing leader Mrs Foster.

Mrs Foster announced her resignation as First Minister and DUP leader last month following an internal revolt against her leadership.

Four weeks on, Mrs Foster this week said she has still not had sight of a letter reportedly signed by party colleagues asking her to step aside.