British government to extend Stormont election deadline and cut MLA pay

The 12-week clock for calling an election will now come into effect either on December 8 or six weeks later on January 19.

(Liam McBurney/PA)

The British government is to extend a deadline for calling an election in Northern Ireland and cut the pay of Stormont Assembly members.

Northern Ireland Secretary Chris Heaton-Harris confirmed the moves in the House of Commons on Wednesday as he outlined his next steps in response to the powersharing crisis in the region.