Arlene Foster set for last meeting with PM as Northern Ireland’s First Minister
The outgoing DUP leader will step aside from Stormont’s top role following an internal party revolt.
Arlene Foster is set to meet Prime Minister Boris Johnson for the last time as Northern Ireland’s First Minister later.
The outgoing DUP leader announced her resignation last month following an internal revolt within her party.
Edwin Poots was narrowly elected to be her successor over Sir Jeffrey Donaldson last week.
Mr Johnson was warmly embraced by Mrs Foster and the DUP following his election as the leader of the Conservative Party in 2019.
He received a hero’s welcome at a DUP party conference the previous year where he emphasised his belief in the union and pledged never to create economic barriers between Northern Ireland and the rest of the UK.
However he is now regarded as having betrayed Mrs Foster and her party through the post-Brexit arrangements his government agreed with the EU.
At today’s meeting at Downing Street, the protocol is likely to feature in discussions, however the tone may be more of a wind down as Mrs Foster prepares to step away from local politics.
The meeting comes amid speculation as to whether she will remain in post as First Minister to the end of June as planned, or if Mr Poots will push to install a replacement sooner.
Traditionalists from the party’s religious fundamentalist wing also harboured concerns over positions Mrs Foster has taken on some social issues.
Mr Poots has vowed to get rid of the protocol.
