Stormont Economy Minister Conor Murphy steps down on medical grounds

Stormont Economy Minister Conor Murphy is standing down from the Executive on medical grounds.

Sinn Fein vice president Michelle O'Neill said former Executive minister Deirdre Hargey will replace him as minister on an interim basis.

Earlier this week Ms O'Neill released a statement to say that Mr Murphy would not be giving evidence to the UK Covid-19 Inquiry as scheduled on Wednesday as he had received medical advice to rest.

On Wednesday evening, Ms O'Neill said Mr Murphy was standing down that night as minister on medical grounds.

"Conor has been advised by his doctor to rest and will undergo further medical tests," she said.

"My colleagues and I all wish Conor a full and speedy recovery.

"I am nominating Deirdre Hargey to step in as Economy Minister on an interim basis pending Conor's return."