DUP MLA Paul Givan has been announced as the next First Minister of Northern Ireland.
The MLA will replace Arlene Foster from next Monday.
At just 39, he’ll be Northern Ireland’s youngest first minister to date.
— Edwin Poots (@edwinpootsmla) June 8, 2021
Arlene Foster - who was ousted as DUP party leader in April - will stay on as First Minister for the rest of this week, including for a British-Irish Council meeting on Friday.
It comes as DUP leader Edwin Poots reveals his ministerial lineup for the Stormont Executive.
Paul Frew will become Economy Minister, while Michelle McIlveen will take over as Education Minister.
Speaking after today’s announcement, Mr Givan said: “I want to pay tribute to those of whom I’m following - Dr Paisley who founded this party… Peter Robinson… and of course Arlene Foster.
“These are giants of unionism and giants within our party. It’s a huge task to follow those individuals, but I look forward to the challenge ahead.
"I am privileged and humbled to have the opportunity to serve our people in the days ahead."
The appointment comes amid internal turmoil within the DUP, with several members quitting the party in the wake of Mr Poots' election as leader.
