Jonathan Bell suspended from DUP after comments about Arlene Foster

Senior Democratic Unionist Jonathan Bell has been suspended from the party.
By The Newsroom
Published 18th Dec 2016, 10:38 BST
Updated 18th Dec 2016, 13:09 BST
pacemaker belfast 15/12/2016 Screen Grab from Jonathan Bell's hard-hitting interview on the RHI scandal.pacemaker belfast 15/12/2016 Screen Grab from Jonathan Bell's hard-hitting interview on the RHI scandal.
pacemaker belfast 15/12/2016 Screen Grab from Jonathan Bell's hard-hitting interview on the RHI scandal.

It followed the former Stormont enterprise, trade and investment minister’s outspoken comments about leader Arlene Foster’s handling of a green energy incentive scheme which critics predict will overspend by £400 million.

DUP party officers met over the weekend and a spokesman confirmed the Strangford Assembly member’s suspension was unanimously agreed.

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On Monday the Assembly will discuss a vote of no confidence in the First Minister.

Her Sinn Fein deputy Martin McGuinness has asked her to step aside to allow a probe into allegations surrounding the Renewable Heat Incentive (RHI) scheme.

The row threatening the peace-building institutions has erupted over the controversial green energy scheme - set up by Mrs Foster - which paid out subsidies well in excess of the costs of buying renewable fuel.

Claims of widespread abuse include a farmer allegedly set to pocket around £1 million in the next 20 years for heating an empty shed.

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The “cash for ash” scandal reached fever pitch when Mr Bell broke ranks to level a series of explosive claims against his leader Mrs Foster and party advisers.

In an extraordinary TV interview, a tearful Mr Bell said God told him to come clean as he claimed a “highly agitated and angry” Mrs Foster demanded he keep the RHI open for an extra fortnight despite its huge losses.

Related topics:DUPMartin McGuinnessFirst Minister