07/06/2021

'More Difficult' If Poots Does Not Take First Minister Role - Lewis

The NI Secretary of State has said that Edwin Poots' decision not to take on the First Minister's role will make things more difficult and that it would be a mistake.

Brandon Lewis suggested to the Sunday Times that Mr Poots would not have regular access to the secretary of state or with Prime Minister Boris Johnson.

He told the publication: "Having the leader of the largest party which has the first minister not be the First Minister will make things more difficult."

Mr Poots is expected to announce his new ministerial team by the end of this week.

DUP MLA Paul Givan is widely tipped to take on the role of First Minister.

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