Donaldson Quits As MLA Less Than A Week After Being Elected

Sir Jeffrey Donaldson has resigned as an MLA less than a week after being elected in Lagan Valley.

The DUP Leader has decided to remain as an MP despite election pledges to restore the power-sharing Executive.

Emma Little-Pengelly has now been given the Lagan Valley seat to which Sir Jeffrey was elected last Friday.

Sir Jeffrey said: "I will continue as the Member of Parliament for Lagan Valley until the Protocol issues are resolved. It is important that the Protocol is replaced with new arrangements that respect Northern Ireland’s place within the United Kingdom and as the leader of Unionism that work is in London.

"In the interim period I have asked Mrs Emma Little Pengelly to represent people in the Lagan Valley constituency at the Northern Ireland Assembly. Emma will be a first class advocate for people and will work hard to advance the issues that matter to everyone in Lagan Valley. Emma is again stepping forward to help articulate the cause of the Union and I welcome her return to our ranks."

Emma Little Pengelly MLA said: "Sir Jeffrey Donaldson has an important task to complete in addressing the continued problem of the Protocol, which is causing untold damage to our economy and to political stability in Northern Ireland. This requires him to be in London and working closely with the UK Government.

"Consequently I have agreed to fill his seat in Lagan Valley, at this time, both to support this work and to ensure a continued high level of support and service to the constituents of Lagan Valley.

"It is a privilege to be asked to fulfil this role at this important time for Unionism and for Northern Ireland. While Sir Jeffrey focuses on that immediate task, I look forward to serving the people of Lagan Valley with passion and commitment."