Poots officially ratified as new DUP leader - but fury over Foster treatment

Q Radio News/PA

Edwin Poots has been officially ratified as the new leader of the Democratic Unionist Party.

The Stormont Agriculture Minister narrowly defeated Lagan Valley MP Sir Jeffrey Donaldson earlier this month in the party’s first contest for leader.

Mr. Poots was formally ratified in a meeting at a Belfast hotel on Thursday evening.

Breaking - Edwin Poots formally ratified as the new DUP leader at a meeting of the party's ruling executive in south Belfast.

— Q Radio News (@qnewsdesk) May 27, 2021

Speaking at the event, Mr. Poots said: “It’s a bit unreal to be perfectly honest.”

Outgoing leader Arlene Foster left before Mr Poots took to the stand to make his inaugural speech as leader, as did other senior figures including Sir Jeffrey Donaldson, Gavin Robinson, Diane Dodds and Gregory Campbell.

On the way out - deposed leader, Arlene Foster. Alan Lewis pic.

Mr. Poots paid tribute to Mrs. Foster’s leadership of the party.

He said: “I want to take an opportunity also to pay tribute to my predecessor.

“I know that the last few weeks has been difficult for her, as they have been for all of us.

“But I can’t say honestly that no matter what background or place we come from, Arlene is and will be regarded as one of the most foremost women and unionists in British politics.

“Irrespective of our differences in any issues that have brought us here this evening, she is admired by us all.

“She has made history, and her time in politics. I have no doubt she will go on to do even greater things. History will ultimately be kind to her in its final analysis. I wish her and her family well.”

It comes after the DUP Fermanagh and South Tyrone Association released a statement expressing its “disgust” at the treatment of outgoing leader Mrs. Foster.

There was then a dramatic resignation after the party executive meeting:

🎥 Paul Bell, Fermanagh and South Tyrone, announces his resignation from the DUP after tonight’s party executive meeting over the treatment of Arlene Foster: pic.twitter.com/8nw07kR1Xy

— Q Radio News (@qnewsdesk) May 27, 2021

Mrs. Foster announced her resignation as First Minister and DUP leader last month following an internal revolt against her leadership.

Four weeks on, the MLA this week said she had still not had sight of a letter reportedly signed by party colleagues asking her to step aside.

Fermanagh and South Tyrone DUP Association posted a statement on its Facebook page – shared by MP Gavin Robinson – which stated the treatment of Mrs. Foster “was not done in our name” and pledged to “stand firm by her side”.

Mrs. Foster said she would step down as DUP leader on Friday and as First Minister at the end of June.

Mr. Poots has signalled that he will become the first DUP leader not to take the First Minister position at Stormont, and will instead nominate a colleague in order to focus on the job of leading the party.

MLAs Mervyn Storey and Paul Givan are reportedly being considered for the post.