Paul Givan Named As NI's New First Minister

DUP leader Edwin Poots has named Paul Givan as his choice for Northern Ireland's next First Minister.

The 39-year-old assembly member represents Poots' own Lagan Valley constituency and backed Poots in his leadership campaign.

Traditionally, the party leader would also take on the role of First Minister, but as Mr Poots won the leadership of his party, he announced that he would not take on the role himself.

If approved by the Assembly Mr Givan would become the youngest person to lead Northern Ireland.

Mr Givan is due to take on the role from Monday 14 June.

According to reports, the timing of the announcement would allow current First Minister and former party leader Arlene Foster to end her term during a British-Irish Council meeting in her home county of Fermanagh on Friday.

A number of DUP members have resigned from the party since Mr Poots became leader and reports suggest that ongoing dissent within the party, including accusations of bullying, sexism and intimidation.

Other nominations announced by Mr Poots include:

• Ministers:

First Minister - Paul Givan

Junior Minister - Gary Middleton

Economy Minister - Paul Frew

Education Minister - Michelle McIlveen

Agriculture Minister - Edwin Poots

• Committee Chairs:

Justice - Mervyn Storey

Communities - Paula Bradley

Infrastructure - Jonathan Buckley

Public Accounts - William Humphrey

Assembly & Executive Review - Pam Cameron

• Committee Vice Chairs:

Infrastructure - David Hilditch

Health - Gordon Lyons

Finance - Keith Buchanan

Audit - William Irwin

Procedures - Tom Buchanan

Standards & Privileges - Christopher Stalford

Assembly Commission - Joanne Bunting

Chief Whip - Joanne Bunting

Assistant Whips - Trevor Clarke, William Humphrey