Edwin Poots fails in bid to become DUP South Down candidate

Q Radio News/PA

Former DUP leader Edwin Poots has failed in a bid to switch constituencies in the forthcoming Northern Ireland Assembly elections.

Mr Poots, a current Lagan Valley MLA, had tried to secure a seat in the South Down constituency and was interviewed by party officers as part of the selection process on Friday evening, along with another candidate, Diane Forsythe.

In a statement following the interview process, a DUP spokesperson confirmed that Ms Forsythe would go forward as the party’s preferred candidate. 

They said: “The Democratic Unionist Party this evening selected Diane Forsythe to stand as the candidate for the party in the South Down constituency in the forthcoming Assembly election in May.

“The party is continuing with its selection processes and all selected candidates are subject to ratification by the Party Executive.”

DUP: "The Democratic Unionist Party this evening selected Diane Forsythe to stand as the candidate for the party in the South Down constituency in the forthcoming Assembly election in May." Edwin Poots misses out. #DUP pic.twitter.com/xboRmMc0DK

— Q Radio News (@qnewsdesk) January 28, 2022

Ms Forsythe is a former Westminster election candidate for the DUP and the daughter of a party councillor, Glyn Hanna.

Mr Poots arrived at Dundela House, the DUP party headquarters in East Belfast, just before 6pm.

The meeting at DUP headquarters was attended by a number of party representatives, including leader Sir Jeffrey Donaldson, East Belfast MP Gavin Robinson and East Londonderry MP Gregory Campbell. 

The party currently holds two seats in the Lagan Valley constituency, belonging to Mr Poots and Stormont First Minister Paul Givan.

DUP leader Sir Jeffrey Donaldson has signalled his intention to return to the Northern Ireland Assembly and is also expected to be a candidate in Lagan Valley.

The veteran current DUP MLA for South Down, Jim Wells, has not been selected as a candidate for May’s elections.

In a statement, the party paid tribute to Mr Wells for “his long and distinguished service to both the party and the wider cause of Unionism over the last forty years”.

Sir Jeffrey had an “amicable and constructive meeting” with Mr Wells on Friday afternoon.

Sir Jeffrey said: “I have known Jim Wells for well over 35 years and have always admired his commitment to the Unionist cause. Jim has served his constituents in South Down faithfully. 

“He has given a lifetime of public service and I look forward to seeing him making a further contribution to the party in the future.”

DUP chairman Lord Morrow said: “I want to pay tribute to Jim for his long and distinguished career in politics. I remember in the early days when Jim raised funds for the party and his enthusiasm for the Union inspired many around him. 

“He was never a half measure man in anything that he put his hand to.”

UPDATE: DUP pays tribute to MLA Jim Wells after deselecting him in South Down. The party candidate for the constituency in the May Assembly election has tonight been confirmed as Diane Forsythe. #DUP pic.twitter.com/CuvataNrpC

— Q Radio News (@qnewsdesk) January 28, 2022

Ahead of Friday evening, there had been concerns that the South Down contest between Mr Poots and Ms Forsythe could risk reopening divisions within the party from last year.

After Mr Poots was elected DUP leader last May, several members in the South Down constituency quit the party amid claims of a “purge” against those opposed to his leadership.

Ms Forsythe, her father Mr Hanna, and another councillor, Kathryn Owen, were among those who left the party amid allegations of sexism and bullying.

However, Mr Poots’ leadership was to last only three weeks before an internal party revolt forced him to quit.

After Sir Jeffrey replaced him as leader, Ms Forsythe, Mr Hanna and Ms Owen returned to the party.

Edwin Poots - won't be moving to South Down