DUP formally endorse Jeffrey Donaldson as new leader

DUP MP for Lagan Valley Jeffrey Donaldson is set to lead the party (Liam McBurney/PA)

DUP MPs and Assembly members have formally endorsed Jeffrey Donaldson as their new leader.

Mr Donaldson received 32 votes of the party’s 36-strong electoral college as it met at a Co Antrim hotel to rubber stamp the Lagan Valley MP’s ascent to the top job.

The gathering comes after a chaotic two months for Northern Ireland's largest party.

Internal divisions have been laid bare after successive revolts deposed former leader Arlene Foster and her successor Edwin Poots.

Mr Donaldson, the party’s 58-year-old Westminster leader, was the only candidate to put his name forward for the party leadership after the dramatic resignation of Mr Poots last week.

Edwin Poots leaves the DUP headquarters in Belfast after he said he will stand down as the party leader (Brian Lawless/PA)

Mr Poots’ demise came only weeks after he narrowly defeated Mr Donaldson in the leadership contest to succeed Mrs Foster.

He will become the official party leader next week when the DUP’s ruling executive meets to ratify his appointment.