Politics

Arlene Foster to stand down as an MLA at end of this month

Arlene Foster is to stand down as an MLA at the end of this month. Picture by Liam McBurney, Press Association
Arlene Foster is to stand down as an MLA at the end of this month. Picture by Liam McBurney, Press Association Arlene Foster is to stand down as an MLA at the end of this month. Picture by Liam McBurney, Press Association

FORMER DUP leader Arlene Foster is to step down as an MLA at the end of this month.

The ex-First Minister, who was ousted as her party's leader during an internal revolt in the spring, is expected to be replaced as an MLA for Fermanagh and South Tyrone by former journalist Deborah Erskine.

Mrs Erskine, a 28-year-old Fermanagh and Omagh District councillor, previously worked as a DUP press officer.

A close friend of Mrs Foster, she was elected in Erne North in 2019.

In a statement to the Belfast Telegraph, Mrs Foster said: “As announced, I plan to step down from the Assembly.

“The process for a co-option has already commenced and will be completed by the end of September.”

There had been speculation that DUP leader Sir Jeffrey Donaldson could take over Mrs Foster's seat in Fermanagh.

However, he is now expected to give up his Lagan Valley Westminster seat to run for the constituency in the May 2022 Assembly election.

Mrs Foster is expected to be given a peerage next year.

She is a contributor to GB News and frequently appears on the Political Correction show, presented by former UKIP leader Nigel Farage.