British Army Veteran Sir Jeffrey Donaldson Formally Endorsed As New DUP Leader

British Army veteran Sir Jeffrey Donaldson has been formally endorsed as the new leader of the Democratic Unionist Party (DUP).

The former Ulster Defence Regiment soldier received 32 votes of the party's 36-strong electoral college.

Sir Jeffrey, who once served as a Corporal in the 3rd Battalion Ulster Defence Regiment, has been a Westminster MP since 1997.

He replaces Edwin Poots who stepped down as leader last week after only 21 days.

Sir Jeffrey will become the official party leader next week when the DUP's ruling executive meets to ratify his appointment.

There are questions over the future of Paul Givan as First Minister, as Donaldson has clarified his intention to return from Westminster to take on the role.

However, the timeline for the move is not clear.