Sir Jeffrey Donaldson endorsed as next DUP leader
Only four of the party's 36 MPs and MLAs didn't lend him their backing.
Last updated 26th Jun 2021
Sir Jeffrey Donaldson has been endorsed as the party's new leader by all but four of the DUPs 36 MPs and MLAs.
Sir Jeffrey received 89 per cent of the votes as the electoral college met in Templepatrick as a formality, to back him for the leadership role.
Having received the majority endorsement of the electoral college, which is made up of 28 MLAs and eight MPs, Sir Jeffrey has become leader designate.
He will become the official party leader next week when the DUP's ruling executive meets to ratify his appointment.
The Lagan Valley MP was the only contender for the top job, after narrowly missing out to his successor Edwin Poots a matter of week ago.
Mr Poots was forced to quit, weeks after Arlene Foster was pressured to step aside.
Sir Jeffrey, the party's 58-year-old Westminster leader, was the only candidate to put his name forward for the DUP leadership after the dramatic resignation of Mr Poots last week.
Mr Poots did not attend the meeting on Saturday morning.