Lyons replaces Frew as Economy Minister after DUP reshuffle

By Jonathan McCambridge, PA

Paul Frew has been replaced as Stormont’s Economy Minister, just weeks after he was appointed to the role.

DUP leader Sir Jeffrey Donaldson said East Antrim MLA Gordon Lyons will take up the role as part of a minor reshuffle of his Assembly team.

Sir Jeffrey said he would carry out a more fundamental reshuffle of posts in September.

Paul Givan remains as First Minister, with Michelle McIlveen continuing as Education Minister.

Mr Frew had been appointed economy minister by previous DUP leader Edwin Poots last month.

Mr Frew is a close ally of Mr Poots and had been his campaign manager during his leadership election campaign.

Announcing the new appointment, Sir Jeffrey said: “I want to thank and pay tribute to Paul Frew for his work as economy minister over the last number of weeks.

“He has been a dedicated minister, progressing a number of important issues in the Department for the Economy which will be of benefit to everyone in Northern Ireland in due course.

“I have taken the decision to make limited ministerial and post-holder changes at this time so as to minimise any impact personnel changes would have on the business of delivering for people across Northern Ireland.”

He added: “I am mindful that our Executive team, in conjunction with ministers from other parties, has further significant work to do in the next short period. I do however intend to conduct a more fundamental reshuffle of posts in September.

“I have appointed Gordon Lyons to be the new Minister for the Economy. Gordon is well equipped to take on the role and brings with him valuable experience, having served as a junior minister within the Executive Office and as Daera Minister for a period earlier this year.”

Meanwhile, the new Economy Minister says growing our skills base and generating more and better employment opportunities will accelerate the economic recovery for the benefit of all.

In a statement, Mr Lyons said, “I am acutely conscious of the challenges being faced by businesses every day and I am determined to do all I can to help the economy not only recover, but grow to new levels.

“My predecessors over the last 18 months have delivered more than £500million of support to businesses of all kinds and set out the way ahead in the short term through the £287million Economic Recovery Action Plan (ERAP). I thank them for their work during this difficult period and for laying sound foundations for future success. I aim to continue their good work.

“Under the ERAP, I will bring to fruition the £145million High Street Scheme and Holiday at Home Scheme, to support our retail, leisure and tourism sectors, as well as local households.

“But more than that, I will progress my Department’s 10X Economic Vision which details how, through a focus on innovation, we can make Northern Ireland one of the world’s leading small economies."

🎥 New Economy Minister Gordon Lyons, who took up the role today, says he is determined to help the economy recover from the pandemic and grow to new levels. @gordonlyons1 says he will bring to fruition the £145 mill High Street and Holiday at Home schemes previously announced. pic.twitter.com/R4kwsg71Ji

— Q Radio News (@qnewsdesk) July 6, 2021

Sir Jeffrey was confirmed as DUP leader last week, saying he wants to see his party heal after the deep divisions that have caused chaos in the ranks in recent months.

Internal divisions within the DUP have been laid bare after successive revolts deposed former leader Arlene Foster and her successor, Mr Poots.

Mr Poots’ departure came only weeks after he narrowly defeated Sir Jeffrey in the leadership contest to succeed Mrs Foster.

Mr Poots’ resignation came after he pressed ahead with reconstituting Stormont’s powersharing Executive alongside Sinn Fein, despite a significant majority of his MPs and MLAs being vociferously opposed to the move.

Party anger at a UK Government pledge to grant Sinn Fein a key concession on Irish language laws was behind the internal opposition to Mr Poots’ decision to nominate a first minister to lead the administration alongside the republican party.

Sir Jeffrey has made clear his intent to return from Westminster to assume the First Minister’s job at Stormont.