DUP Searching for New Leader after Arlene Foster Resignation

The Democratic Unionist Party (DUP) are in the process of searching for a new leader following the resignation of Arlene Foster. The Northern Ireland first minister will step down from leadership of the DUP on 28 May, and as first minister at the end of June. 

Mrs Foster faced an internal revolt with about 80% of the party’s Stormont and Westminster ranks backing a change of leader.

The process of removing Mrs Foster has been described by a member of the DUP as a “total mess”. This could lead to a Northern Ireland Assembly election this year, despite the next vote not being due until next May.

Mrs Foster, 50, became DUP leader in December 2015. She was appointed as first minister of Northern Ireland the following month. This made her the first woman, and youngest person, to hold both positions.

Mrs Foster made her announcement on Wednesday. She said it had been the privilege of her life to serve the people of Northern Ireland as their first minister and to represent her home constituency.

The search to appoint a replacement begins

Focus now shifts to arrangements to elect a new leader.

Speculation is of a split role, with one person as first minister and a second as party leader at Westminster.

Northern Ireland Agriculture Minister Edwin Poots is tipped to take over as first minister. Meanwhile, Lagan Valley MP Sir Jeffrey Donaldson and East Belfast MP Gavin Robinson could vie for party leader. Although some believe that Mr Poots is frontrunner for the leadership of the party, due to his vast experience.

Whoever takes over, the new leader must take “radical action … required to put the party back on a sound footing”. They need to review the structure of the party and where it is heading. There is a view that some staff have had too strong an influence on policy making.

A new DUP leader is likely to be elected before the end of May.

Sinn Féin’s Michelle O’Neill has joint head of Northern Ireland’s government along with Mrs Foster. She says the incoming DUP leader needs to recognise the political landscape across the land has changed.

A new first minister cannot be elected without Sinn Féin support. It may take some time for them to reach an agreement.

The DUP has been at war with itself for some time now, and the disfunction has had an impact. However, the government has a responsibility to keep delivering. They are in a five-party coalition. This is difficult to manage, especially when one of the larger parties is in such turmoil.

Some believe Mrs Foster was a scapegoat for the party’s “strategic errors”.

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