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 have accused DUP Communities Minister Gordon Lyons of not funding the place-names project, something he denies, saying that responsibility was transferred to his department without funding being made available.
DUP councillor Julie Middleton has officially signed the Roll of Members to sit as an MLA for Foyle in the Northern Ireland Assembly. She replaces her husband Gary Middleton after he resigned last week.
“I am journeying through a difficult experience and have been for some time,” the Foyle MLA said in a statement on Thursday. He will step down from the Assembly on Friday, giving the DUP one week to select a replacement.
In response to a letter from DUP leader Gavin Robinson, Jon Burrows has said he is open to ‘constructive cooperation that best serves the union’.
The DUP has announced that Adam Copeland will replace Gareth Wilson on Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon Borough Council. The vacancy follows William Irwin’s retirement from the Northern Ireland Assembly.
Gavin Robinson has invited new UUP leader Jon Burrows for talks on unionist co-operation. In a letter to DUP members, he said he “looks forward to working with Jon Burrows to see how our parties could co-operate and work together”.
Following William Irwin’s retirement, the DUP have selected councillor Gareth Wilson to replace him in the Newry and Armagh constituency. The former Lord Mayor has served on ABC Council for 20 years.
DUP MLA of almost 20 years, William Irwin, is set to retire from politics. ABC councillor Gareth Wilson is reportedly the favourite to replace him in Newry and Armagh, with DUP party officers conducting interviews for the role this week.
