Michelle McIlveen Appointed as New DUP Deputy Leader

Former Education Minister Michelle McIlveen has been appointed as deputy leader of the DUP, the party confirmed.

Background

The Strangford MLA previously served in a number of ministries and had been the Party Secretary since 2008. Prior to a career in politics, Michelle McIlveen was a teacher at Grosvenor Grammar School before taking up a managerial role in her family business.

Leadership Update

The post of deputy leader had been vacant since Gavin Robinson was appointed as leader following the arrest of former leader Jeffrey Donaldson last year. Earlier today, deputy First Minister Emma Little Pengelly took to social media to confirm that she had not put herself forward for the role. Announcing her appointment, DUP Chairman Lord Morrow described her as a 'dedicated servant' who will 'bring energy to the role'.

Party Election

'Following our annual internal election processes Rt. Hon. Gavin Robinson MP has been re-elected as Leader of the Democratic Unionist Party,' Morrow said. 'Strangford MLA Michelle McIlveen has been elected as Deputy Leader of the Party.'