Jeffrey Donaldson is to become the new DUP leader

Stephen Porzio

Donaldson was the only candidate nominated.

Jeffrey Donaldson is to become the new leader of the Democratic Unionist Party (DUP), following Edwin Poots’ resignation last week.

Donaldson was a candidate in last month’s DUP leadership election, where he narrowly lost to Poots.

However, after Poots’ resignation less than a month into the post, Donaldson was the only candidate nominated as his successor and has been elected unopposed.

DUP chairman Maurice Morrow said in a statement: “Nominations for the position of Party Leader closed today (Tuesday 22 June) at 12 noon. I can confirm that I have received one valid nomination, that being from Sir Jeffrey Donaldson.

“Following the completion of our party processes, Sir Jeffrey Donaldson MP will be the next leader of the Democratic Unionist Party.

“The last number of weeks has been difficult for the Party and mistakes have been made. Now is the time to move forward in a spirit of humility and mindful that our focus must be on serving the people whom we represent. I look forward to the challenges of rebuilding and reconnecting in the time ahead.”

Meanwhile, Donaldson said: “I will be speaking with the Prime Minister at the earliest opportunity to emphasise that it is not realistic to expect stability when every unionist representative in the devolved institutions opposes the Northern Ireland Protocol.

“The Government and those who claim to be protectors of peace and stability, must step up and deal with the Protocol in a manner which respects the constitutional and economic integrity of the United Kingdom.

“I want to bring stability and encourage everyone to focus on what unites us as a people rather than on what divides us. There has been too much focus on division and recrimination both within unionism and within Northern Ireland.

“I will play my part but the Government and Brussels must step up and recognise the flaws of the Protocol and how it was foisted upon Northern Ireland.”