Arlene Foster to step down as DUP leader and Northern Ireland's first minister

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Arlene Foster has told Sky News she will step down as DUP leader and Northern Ireland's first minister, following calls within the party for a leadership contest.

In a statement, Mrs Foster said: "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."

She described serving the people of Northern Ireland as "the privilege of my life".

The outgoing first minister added: "The future of unionism and Northern Ireland will not be found in division. It will only be found in sharing this place we are privileged to call home."

It comes after 75% of the DUP's Northern Ireland Assembly members signed a letter demanding a leadership contest.

Eight of the party's 18 constituency associations submitted letters of concern over the leadership's handling of the Northern Ireland Protocol and other issues.

Mrs Foster played down the threat when speaking to reporters yesterday afternoon, saying: "Stories on leadership come up from time to time, and it's one of those times."

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Arlene Foster

DUP leader

Northern Ireland first minister