The Chief Executive of the Northern Ireland Assembly has launched a review into Jeffrey Donaldson’s behaviour whilst at Parliament Buildings, at the request of Speaker Edwin Poots.
The Democratic Unionist Party (DUP) has confirmed that child safeguarding expert Jim Gamble will lead a review into Jeffrey Donaldson’s time within the party. Last month, Donaldson was convicted of 18 counts of sex abuse against two women when they were children, including rape.
Sinn Féin continues to announce candidates for the 2027 Assembly election. Launch events have occurred in Newry and Armagh, East Londonderry, South Down, East Antrim and Upper Bann.
Sinn Féin are hoping to elect three MLAs in Foyle for the first time, standing three candidates next year. Ciara Ferguson, Christopher Jackson and Sandra Duffy will be on the ticket.
Chloe Devine has been co-opted onto Armagh, Banbridge and Craigavon Borough Council to replace Sorcha McGeown, who is stepping down due to family commitments.
Councils across Northern Ireland have now appointed new mayors and deputy mayors for the 2026/27 term, the last year of the four-year mandate they have until the election next year. Sinn Féin and the DUP hold the mayor position in almost all councils.
Doug Beattie has quit the UUP, saying his position ‘is no longer tenable’. In a letter to party leader Jon Burrows, he says a ‘toxic atmosphere has been allowed to flourish’. He will serve the remainder of his term as an independent.
An MLA since 2003, Patsy McGlone will retire at the end of this Assembly mandate. He is the SDLP’s longest-serving politician in the Assembly, and has been described as a ‘stalwart’.
Traditional Unionist Voice (TUV) will field two North Antrim candidates in the Assembly election next year. The party say they hope to elect both Timothy Gaston and Kirk Wilson.
