DUP Bypass Both Wells And Poots For South Down

The DUP have bypassed both Jim Wells and Edwin Poots by selecting a new party member to stand in South Down for the next Assembly elections on 05 May.

Jim Well has represented South Down for 24 years, and both him and current Lagan Valley representative Edwin Poots, had put themselves forward for selection to contest the next election. However, the DUP have chosen Diane Forsythe, the daughter of party councillor Glyn Hanna. Ms Forsythe had previously quit the DUP over concerns of sexisms and and bullying. She later rejoined after Sir Jeffrey Donaldson took the party leadership from Edwin Poots.

Speaking on the Nolan Show, Mr Wells said that he was hurt by the party's decision but said that he had "no plans to run as an independent", adding that he wanted Edwin Poots on the ballot paper for South Down.