Edwin Poots still keen on South Down and won’t return to Lagan Valley

On Friday night party officers selected Diane Forsythe as the DUP candidate for South Down, ahead of Agriculture Minister Mr Poots (pictured), who was attempting to switch to the constituency.

A source close to Mr Poots said that he is unlikely now to return to seek the nomination in Lagan Valley and will instead look to the party’s executive to overturn the recommendation made in South Down.

Meanwhile, DUP MLA Jim Wells, who has been deselected by the party, said he would not rule out running against Ms Forsythe if she is endorsed by the party executive.

Mr Wells has expressed confidence that the party executive will overturn the decision and install Mr Poots as the candidate.

——— ———

A message from the Editor:

Thank you for reading this story on our website. While I have your attention, I also have an important request to make of you.

With the coronavirus lockdown having a major impact on many of our advertisers — and consequently the revenue we receive — we are more reliant than ever on you taking out a digital subscription.

Subscribe to newsletter.co.uk and enjoy unlimited access to the best Northern Ireland and UK news and information online and on our app. With a digital subscription, you can read more than 5 articles, see fewer ads, enjoy faster load times, and get access to exclusive newsletters and content. Visit https://www.newsletter.co.uk/subscriptions now to sign up.

Our journalism costs money and we rely on advertising, print and digital revenues to help to support them. By supporting us, we are able to support you in providing trusted, fact-checked content for this website.

Ben Lowry

Editor