Donaldson And Poots Confirmed As DUP Leadership Candidates

Sir Jeffrey Donaldson and Edwin Poots are to stand as candidates for the DUP leadership.

Gregory Campbell, Paula Bradley and Paul Frew are the candidates for deputy leader, the party chairman Lord Morrow said in a statement.

A leadership contest will take place on Friday, 14 May, to replace the current leader Arlene Foster and deputy leader Nigel Dodds.

Sir Jeffrey said: "I am convinced that in this new century, Northern Ireland's best days are ahead of us.

"We want to build a shared future for Northern Ireland where everyone, regardless of their background, has a part to play in showing the world what we are truly capable of.

"Both making our full contribution, and enjoying the benefits, of being part of the United Kingdom."

In a video posted on Twitter, Mr Poots said: "I am a proud Northern Ireland man, I love its people and its place, and it faces many challenging times, it’s with that in mind, I'm putting my name forward for the leadership for the Democratic Unionist Party.

"I look forward to the engagement and the debate with colleagues and the wider public in this contest.

"Northern Ireland is a place that has had many great things over this last hundred years, I wish to see us rebuild, revitalise, reinvigorate and revive for the next hundred."