Edwin Poots to stand down as DUP leader following internal revolt

Edwin Poots is set to stand down as DUP leader following an internal revolt against him.

A meeting of DUP party officers got under way on Thursday, with the recently appointed leader facing a major revolt.

Senior DUP figures gathered at party headquarters in Belfast amid speculation Mr Poots could potentially face a vote of no confidence.

The DUP appears to be in internal disarray after a significant majority of its elected representatives earlier opposed Mr Poots' decision to nominate a Stormont First Minister.

In a statement following the meeting, Mr Poots said: "I have asked the party chairman to commence an electoral process within the party to allow for a new leader of the Democratic Unionist Party to be elected.

"The party has asked me to remain in post until my successor is elected.

"This has been a difficult period for the party and the country and I have conveyed to the chairman my determination to do everything I can to ensure both unionism and Northern Ireland is able to move forward to a stronger place."

Leader of the DUP Edwin Poots leaves the DUP headquarters after meeting of the party officers with rumoured vote of no confidence on June 17, 2021 in Belfast, Northern Ireland. (Photo by Charles McQuillan/Getty Images)

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