New DUP leader to meet with MLAs ahead of expected reshuffle

By Q Radio News

New DUP leader Edwin Poots will hold a series of meetings with the party's MLA's at Stormont today ahead of an expected ministerial re-shuffle.

It is believed he will talk to assembly members in one-on-one meetings over the course of today and tomorrow before any shake-up of his ministerial team.

Sources have said that his plans could include changing the DUP chairs and vice-chairs of some of the Stormont committees.

Edwin Poots to hold series of Stormont meetings before ministerial shake-uphttps://t.co/WfB5RQczdw

— Q Radio News (@qnewsdesk) May 17, 2021

Mr Poots has said he wants a smooth handover of power when he takes the reins of the party on May 28th.

Speaking to the Sunday Life newspaper, the Lagan Valley MLA said he wanted to split the roles of DUP leader and First Minister, and confirmed he would not take on the post of First Minister himself.

Among those in the frame to lead the Northern Irish government are DUP MLAs Mervyn Storey, Paul Givan, Paul Frew and the party's new deputy leader Paula Bradley.

Although insiders say that Mr Poots has stressed he does not want to rush through changes, he is expected to consult MLAs over whether he should ask current First Minister, Arlene Foster, to stand down from her post before the scheduled date at the end of June.

Meanwhile, nominations will close at midday for the Ulster Unionist leadership.

However, the process is not expected to be a tight race as only one politician, Upper Bann MLA Doug Beattie, has expressed an intention to stand.

(Mr Poots has is taking a series of individual meetings with MLAs this morning)