Foster defied as 11 DUP MLAS fail to back her on vote
ONLY half of DUP MLAS voted in favour of controversial new legislation at Stormont in a significant challenge to Arlene Foster’s authority.
Those rebelling included a party officer, former ministers and MLAS who have previously proven ultra-loyal to their party leader.
Of 28 DUP MLAS elected to the Assembly, only 14 voted for the Executive Committee (Functions) Bill which was proposed by the First Minister and Deputy First Minister.
Eleven abstained, two were not present for the vote, and South Down MLA Jim Wells — who has lost the party whip — voted against the legislation.
DUP sources last night insisted that the abstentions did not represent a threat to Mrs Foster’s leadership.
They said that the vote had been “softly whipped” because of “genuine concerns” over the fast-tracking of the legislation. However, the vote is a major embarrassment to the First Minister who was widely regarded as having been in a strong position internally given her handling of the Covid-19 crisis.
The legislation giving ministers more powers was fasttracked through the Assembly before the summer recess yesterday. Its opponents claim it will give too much power to individual Stormont ministers.
Former DUP special adviser and barrister, Richard Bullick, argued that the party’s MLAS were “sleepwalking into making profound constitutional amendments” and shedding gains negotiated in the 2006 St Andrew’s Agreement.
Those abstaining included former ministers Michelle Mcilveen and Mervyn Storey. Ms Mcilveen is a party officer.
Others who abstained were Alex Easton, Paula Bradley, Thomas Buchanan, Joanne Bunting, Jonathan Buckley, Paul Frew, Trevor Clarke, William Humphrey and David Hilditch.
Mr Wells said: “Only 14 out of 28 of those elected DUP MLAS voted for the legislation. And when you take out serving ministers, the deputy speaker, whip and others, it is clear that the overwhelming majority of DUP backbenchers did not support this bill.” UUP leader Steve Aiken said: “Regrettably, the Assembly passed what is by any reckoning poor and badly thought-out legislation.”
Defending the fast-tracking of the bill, Sinn Fein junior minister Declan Kearney said it was to allow decisions to be made on key planning applications. He said the legislation would help increase co-operation within Stormont’s five-party coalition.
The Bill was passed by 58 votes to 13, with 11 abstentions, and will go forward for royal assent. The Assembly has been adjourned until September 7.