Arlene Foster will stand down as leader of the Democratic Unionist Party and as Northern Ireland's First Minister in the face of mounting discontent among her party.
In a statement, Ms Foster said: “A short time ago I called the Party Chairman [Maurice Morrow] to inform him that I intend to step down as leader of the Democratic Unionist Party on May 28 and as First Minister of Northern Ireland at the end of June.
“It is important to give space over the next few weeks for the party officers to make arrangements for the election of a new leader. When elected, I will work with the new leader on transition arrangements.”
Ms Foster said she intended to “depart the political stage”.
“It has been the privilege of my life to serve the people of Northern Ireland as their First Minister and to represent my home constituency of Fermanagh/South Tyrone,” she said.
“I first entered the Assembly in 2003 and undoubtedly the journey of the last eighteen years has been memorable. There are many people who have helped and supported me throughout that period and I will always be grateful for the kindness and support shown to me by them.
“Whilst there have been many difficult and testing times for the executive it remains my firm view that Northern Ireland has been better served having local ministers at this time. It is unthinkable that we could have faced into the coronavirus pandemic without our own devolved ministers in place and no ministerial direction for departments.”
Ms Foster had faced a revolt against her leadership over the handling of Brexit and a recent decision to abstain in a Northern Ireland Assembly vote on gay conversion therapy.
