DUP change at the top: three names put forward for deputy leader position

In a statement issued on Thursday evening, party chairman Lord Morrow said he had “received valid nominations” in respect of Paula Bradley MLA, Gregory Campbell MP and Paul Frew MLA.

Sir Jeffrey Donaldson and Edwin Poots have already but their names forward to succeed Arlene Foster as party leader.

A leaked internal party memo says that “no candidate is to be fielded by the party for media appearances/interview during the period of the leadership campaign”.

It adds: “This applies to both candidates for leader and deputy leader positions.”

Mrs Foster resigned last week after an internal revolt against her leadership.

The dramatic move came in the form of a letter expressing no confidence, signed by a majority of the party’s senior elected representatives.

The outgoing party leader is due to step down from her role on May 28, and then as Stormont First Minister at the end of June.