Edwin Poots stands down as DUP Leader following internal revolt
BREAKING NEWS
Last updated 17th Jun 2021
By James Ward, PA
Edwin Poots is set to stand down as DUP leader following an internal revolt against him.
A meeting of DUP party officers got under way on Thursday, with the recently appointed leader facing a major revolt.
Senior DUP figures gathered at party headquarters in Belfast amid speculation Mr Poots could potentially face a vote of no confidence.
The DUP appears to be in internal disarray after a significant majority of its elected representatives earlier opposed Mr Poots' decision to nominate a Stormont First Minister.
In a statement following the meeting, Mr Poots said: "I have asked the party chairman to commence an electoral process within the party to allow for a new leader of the Democratic Unionist Party to be elected.
"The party has asked me to remain in post until my successor is elected.
"This has been a difficult period for the party and the country and I have conveyed to the chairman my determination to do everything I can to ensure both unionism and Northern Ireland is able to move forward to a stronger place.''
A Sinn Féin spokesperson said:
“Whoever leads the DUP is a matter for that party. Sinn Féin has worked for weeks to bring stability to the Executive – our priority is our response to the Covid19 pandemic, the continued successful roll out of the vaccination programme and rebuilding our economy to sustain jobs and livelihoods.
“We have monumental challenges ahead that will require unity of purpose and urgency. They include tackling the totally unacceptable hospital waiting lists that have left people crucified, in pain and without hope.
“That is our focus and should remain the focus of all ministers in the Executive.”
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