Donaldson announces bid to lead DUP
Sir Jeffrey Donaldson has announced he will run for the leadership of the DUP.
The longstanding Lagan Valley MP said he would promote a positive strategy and values if elected, with a focus on building a shared future for everyone in Northern Ireland.
The party's current Westminster leader also pledged meaningful reform within the DUP and said he would set clear policy directions on key challenges for unionism, such as Brexit's contentious Northern Ireland Protocol.
His entry in the race to succeed the deposed Arlene Foster will mean the DUP is set for its first-ever leadership contest in its 50-year history.
Stormont Agriculture Minister Edwin Poots announced his candidature last week.
Sir Jeffrey announced his leadership bid at fellow MP Gavin Robinson's constituency office in east Belfast yesterday, coinciding with the date viewed by many historians as the centenary of the creation of Northern Ireland.
"I want to thank Arlene Foster for her service to our party, people and country," he said. "She led with great courage, conviction and a big heart for Northern Ireland. I wish Arlene and her family well for the future.
"Today, Northern Ireland enters its second century.
"I am convinced that in this new century, Northern Ireland's best days are ahead of us.
"We want to build a shared future for Northern Ireland where everyone, regardless of their background, has a part to play in showing the world what we are truly capable of.
"Both making our full contribution, and enjoying the benefits, of being part of the United Kingdom."
Sir Jeffrey will be seen as the moderate candidate against
the more hard-line Mr Poots, who also represents the Lagan Valley constituency, as an Assembly member.
Mrs Foster resigned last week after an internal revolt against her leadership. The
move came in the form of a letter of no confidence signed by a majority of the party's senior elected representatives.
Mr Poots, understood to have been one of the key figures behind the heave against
her, announced his leadership bid within 24 hours of Mrs Foster's resignation statement. The outgoing DUP leader will step downon May 28.