Jeffrey Donaldson has become DUP leader designate after being endorsed by the party’s electoral college, receiving 32 of the 36 votes available.
The party’s 36-strong electoral college arrived at a meeting in a Co Antrim hotel this morning to rubber stamp the Lagan Valley MP’s ascent to the top job.
The Irish Independent is reporting that the gathering comes after a chaotic two months for Northern Ireland’s largest party.
Internal divisions have been laid bare after successive revolts deposed former leader Arlene Foster and her successor Edwin Poots.
Mr Donaldson, the party’s 58-year-old Westminster leader, was the only candidate to put his name forward for the DUP leadership after the dramatic resignation of Mr Poots last week.
Mr Poots’ demise came only weeks after he narrowly defeated Mr Donaldson in the leadership contest to succeed Mrs Foster.
After receiving the endorsement of the electoral college, which is made up of 28 MLAs and eight MPs, Mr Donaldson is now the DUP’s leader designate.
For full report, see www.independent.ie
