09/06/2021
Paul Givan Named As NI's New First Minister
DUP leader Edwin Poots has named Paul Givan as his choice for Northern Ireland's next First Minister.
The 39-year-old assembly member represents Poots' own Lagan Valley constituency and backed Poots in his leadership campaign.
Traditionally, the party leader would also take on the role of First Minister, but as Mr Poots won the leadership of his party, he announced that he would not take on the role himself.
If approved by the Assembly Mr Givan would become the youngest person to lead Northern Ireland.
Mr Givan is due to take on the role from Monday 14 June.
According to reports, the timing of the announcement would allow current First Minister and former party leader Arlene Foster to end her term during a British-Irish Council meeting in her home county of Fermanagh on Friday.
A number of DUP members have resigned from the party since Mr Poots became leader and reports suggest that ongoing dissent within the party, including accusations of bullying, sexism and intimidation.
Other nominations announced by Mr Poots include:
• Ministers:
First Minister - Paul Givan
Junior Minister - Gary Middleton
Economy Minister - Paul Frew
Education Minister - Michelle McIlveen
Agriculture Minister - Edwin Poots
• Committee Chairs:
Justice - Mervyn Storey
Communities - Paula Bradley
Infrastructure - Jonathan Buckley
Public Accounts - William Humphrey
Assembly & Executive Review - Pam Cameron
• Committee Vice Chairs:
Infrastructure - David Hilditch
Health - Gordon Lyons
Finance - Keith Buchanan
Audit - William Irwin
Procedures - Tom Buchanan
Standards & Privileges - Christopher Stalford
Assembly Commission - Joanne Bunting
Chief Whip - Joanne Bunting
Assistant Whips - Trevor Clarke, William Humphrey
The 39-year-old assembly member represents Poots' own Lagan Valley constituency and backed Poots in his leadership campaign.
Traditionally, the party leader would also take on the role of First Minister, but as Mr Poots won the leadership of his party, he announced that he would not take on the role himself.
If approved by the Assembly Mr Givan would become the youngest person to lead Northern Ireland.
Mr Givan is due to take on the role from Monday 14 June.
According to reports, the timing of the announcement would allow current First Minister and former party leader Arlene Foster to end her term during a British-Irish Council meeting in her home county of Fermanagh on Friday.
A number of DUP members have resigned from the party since Mr Poots became leader and reports suggest that ongoing dissent within the party, including accusations of bullying, sexism and intimidation.
Other nominations announced by Mr Poots include:
• Ministers:
First Minister - Paul Givan
Junior Minister - Gary Middleton
Economy Minister - Paul Frew
Education Minister - Michelle McIlveen
Agriculture Minister - Edwin Poots
• Committee Chairs:
Justice - Mervyn Storey
Communities - Paula Bradley
Infrastructure - Jonathan Buckley
Public Accounts - William Humphrey
Assembly & Executive Review - Pam Cameron
• Committee Vice Chairs:
Infrastructure - David Hilditch
Health - Gordon Lyons
Finance - Keith Buchanan
Audit - William Irwin
Procedures - Tom Buchanan
Standards & Privileges - Christopher Stalford
Assembly Commission - Joanne Bunting
Chief Whip - Joanne Bunting
Assistant Whips - Trevor Clarke, William Humphrey
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Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A showery start with outbreaks most frequent north of Lough Neagh and through the morning, before dwindling during the afternoon as the northwest breezes ease and brighter spells of weak sunshine prosper. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:A dry night, save for a few light showers around the coasts, with prolonged clear spells and light winds bringing a frosty dawn for many in central and southern parts. Minimum temperature -3 °C.