Michelle McIlveen MLA has been elected as the new deputy leader of the Democratic Unionist Party (DUP).
Her appointment was confirmed by Lord Morrow, DUP Chairman, on Friday afternoon.
The role has been vacant since Gavin Robinson took over as party leader last year. He has also been re-elected as leader of the party.
“Following our annual internal election processes Rt. Hon. Gavin Robinson MP has been re-elected as Leader of the Democratic Unionist Party.
Gavin has provided strong and steady leadership, and his re-election reflects the confidence and unity within our ranks as we continue to serve the people of Northern Ireland.
Strangford MLA Michelle McIlveen has be elected as Deputy Leader of the Party. I wish to extend my warmest congratulations to Michelle on her election.
Michelle has been a dedicated servant of our Party and the wider Unionist cause for many years, bringing a wealth of experience, talent, and commitment to everything she does. Her service in ministerial roles and her tireless advocacy for her constituents have demonstrated her capability and determination and the ethos with which she approaches public office.
I have no doubt she will bring great energy to her new role, working alongside our Leader to advance the values and priorities of the Democratic Unionist Party”.
– DUP Chairman, Lord Morrow
There was speculation that Emma Little-Pengelly and Jonathan Buckley had put their name forward for the position, however, the Deputy First Minister confirmed today that she had not put her name forward.
Speaking on X, Emma Little-Pengelly said: “I know there has been some speculation about the DUP Deputy Leader position. I can confirm that I did not put my name forward on this occasion.”
“My focus will remain on driving forward progress and delivery, including within the Executive and as deputy First Minister,” she added.
I know there has been some speculation about the DUP Deputy Leader position.
— Emma Little-Pengelly BL (@little_pengelly) March 7, 2025
I can confirm that I did not put my name forward on this occasion.
My focus will remain on driving forward progress and delivery, including within the Executive and as deputy First Minister.
BBC News are reporting that Upper Bann MLA Jonathan Buckley also did not put his name forward.
McIlveen was first elected to the Assembly in 2007 after serving on Ards Borough Council.
She has held several positions within the Executive in the past, including as a Junior Minister, Minister for Regional Development, and DAERA Minister.
Most recently, she was the Education Minister between 2021 to 2022.
