Northern Ireland Elects https://validator.w3.org/feed/docs/rss2.html SDLP: Aurla King replaces Gareth Sharvin as Downpatrick councillor Home Matthew O’Toole apologises after Standards Commissioner finds breach of MLA code of conduct Sinn Fein: Maolíosa McHugh not standing in next Assembly election DUP: Adam Copeland co-opted as new Cusher councillor UUP: Katherine Newman co-opted as Bangor West councillor First Minister criticised for not attending UK security briefings on situation in Middle East Executive Ministers attend third meeting of East-West Council alongside NI Secretary Independent board proposes pay rise of 26.8% for Members of Legislative Assembly (MLAs) Jon Burrows is sole candidate for UUP leadership after Robbie Butler says he is not standing Stormont politicians pay rise of £14,000 will go ahead, says Independent Remuneration Board UUP to consider DUP’s invitation for talks on unionist co-operation Northern Ireland Political Parties Jon Burrows ratified as leader of Ulster Unionist Party (UUP) Sinn Féin: Foyle MLA Pádraig Delargy not standing for re-election in 2027 Jon Burrows open to ‘constructive cooperation’ to maximise the unionist vote TUV: Timothy Gaston suspended from Assembly following comments in Executive Office committee Health Minister Mike Nesbitt is most popular in Executive, with Justice Minister Naomi Long bottom of ranking Northern Ireland Affairs Committee Ulster Unionist Party to select new leader at end of January DUP: Gareth Wilson selected as Newry and Armagh MLA Executive ‘in disarray’ over Finance Minister John O’Dowd’s draft multi-year budget Northern Ireland Executive UUP: Mike Nesbitt to step down as party leader Sinn Féin: Niall Lawlor co-opted to Newry, Mourne and Down District Council Explanation: What are the three different levels of government in Northern Ireland? Jon Burrows launches Ulster Unionist Party leadership campaign Belfast City Council pass motion ‘in support of pro-Palestine hunger strikers’ at special meeting SDLP: Councillor Margaret Anne McKillop resigns after conference ‘celebrated loss of unborn life’ Starmer announces £17m allocation to support NI households with home heating oil prices No confidence motion in Education Minister Paul Givan to be debated on Monday Sinn Féin will support motion of no confidence in Education Minister Paul Givan Masked mob outside Justice Minister Naomi Long’s house branded as ‘bullying and intimidation’ DUP: Newry and Armagh MLA William Irwin set to retire from politics Bursary announced to combat teacher shortages in STEM subjects and Irish language schools New Standards Commissioner Mark McEwan leaves after a week in post Sinn Féin: Liz McGowan co-opted to Derry City Waterside seat Sinn Féin: Cllr Caitlin Deeney steps down as Waterside councillor ‘Sinister attack’ on Alliance Party headquarters was deliberate attempt to ‘incite fear and intimidation’ Stephen Wright appointed new Assembly Standards Commissioner Contact Reaction from NI as Catherine Connolly elected Irish President Unionist gains see Alliance drop to fifth place in popularity ratings SDLP: Garbhán McPhilips quits party due to ‘toxic atmosphere’ Court sentencing remarks to be broadcast under new rules announced by Justice Minister Joanne Bunting appointed Junior Minister in DUP reshuffle Viable explosive device found outside office of Sinn Féin Newry representatives UUP: Councillor Linzi McLaren quits party and stands down from council Parties unite against digital ID scheme announced by Prime Minister Keir Starmer DUP: Aaron Elliot replaces Keith Elliot as Fermanagh councillor