Arlene Foster completes exit from local politics

Arlene Foster has formally stepped aside as a member of the Stormont Assembly.

The Former First Minister and leader of the DUP said she did not intend to remain as an MLA for Fermanagh and South Tyrone in May when she announced her decision to resign following an internal party revolt.

Today (Thursday) the Chief Electoral Officer for Northern Ireland, Virginia McVea, confirmed that Fermanagh councillor and former party press officer Deborah Erskine had been returned to serve as an MLA to fill the vacancy arising from the resignation of Mrs Foster.

Mrs Foster had served as an MLA since 2003.

Ms Erskine is expected to sign into Stormont later this week.

Since leaving politics earlier this year, Mrs Foster has been carving out a career in the media, including as a contributor on GB News, and speaking out against abuse on social media.

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• Arlene Foster
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