Northern Ireland

Diane Dodds tipped to replace David Simpson in Upper Bann

DUP MEP Diane Dodds is among those tipped as the party's Upper Bann candidate after David Simpson announced he would not stand. File picture by Mark Marlow
DUP MEP Diane Dodds is among those tipped as the party's Upper Bann candidate after David Simpson announced he would not stand. File picture by Mark Marlow DUP MEP Diane Dodds is among those tipped as the party's Upper Bann candidate after David Simpson announced he would not stand. File picture by Mark Marlow

DUP MEP Diane Dodds has been tipped to replace David Simpson as her party's election candidate in Upper Bann.

The party's Upper Bann Association met last night to discuss a replacement for Mr Simpson.

A DUP spokesman said the party would make an announcement on its new candidate "in due course".

Mr Simpson announced on Wednesday he will not seek re-election following an affair with a party colleague.

The 60-year-old had held the Upper Bann seat since he deposed former Ulster Unionist leader and first minister David Trimble in 2005.

Ms Dodds, who was re-elected as an MEP in May, will lose her job when the UK is scheduled to leave the European Union on January 31.

Read More: DUP HQ expected to choose Upper Bann candidate

She lives in the constituency and, if elected, would join her husband, DUP deputy leader Nigel Dodds, at Westminster.

Sitting Upper Bann MLAs Carla Lockhart and Jonathan Buckley are also in the frame.

Ms Lockhart topped the poll in the 2016 assembly election, ahead of Mr Buckley and Sinn Féin's John O'Dowd who is also seeking election next month.

Mr Simpson announced he would not seek re-election, saying his family had given him a "second chance" following reports of an extra-martial affair with Louise Templeton, his former parliamentary assistant and an ex-DUP councillor.

"In recent times it has been well publicised that I made a mistake that brought hurt to my wife and family as well as bringing heartache to another family," he said.

"These were my mistakes and for them I am truly sorry.

"I have learned from my failings and my wife and children have given me a precious second chance and together we intend to look to the future together."

He said he looked forward to supporting the DUP "in other facets in the future".