BBC News NI political correspondent
PacemakerFormer three-time Stormont minister Michelle McIlveen has been elected as the Democratic Unionist Party’s (DUP’s) new deputy leader.
It’s understood that, despite speculation to the contrary, there was no contest as neither the Deputy First Minister Emma Little-Pengelly nor the Upper Bann assembly member Jonny Buckley let their names go forward.
Writing on X, Little-Pengelly said: “I know there has been some speculation about the DUP deputy leader position. I can confirm I did not put my name forward on this occasion.”
She added: “My focus will remain on driving forward progress and delivery including within the executive and as deputy first minister.”
Additionally, Gavin Robinson has been re-elected as party leader.
DUP chairman Lord Morrow said McIlveen had been a “dedicated servant” of the DUP and the wider unionist cause for many years.
“Her service in ministerial roles and her tireless advocacy for her constituents have demonstrated her capability and determination and the ethos with which she approaches public office,” he said.
Lord Morrow added that Robinson has provided “strong and steady leadership” and said his re-election “reflects the confidence and unity” within the party.
DUPMcIlveen has been an assembly member for Strangford since 2007 and DUP general secretary since 2008
She is said to be “a safe pair of hands” and can represent the centre ground.
McIlveen is also believed to have been Gavin Robinson’s choice as deputy even though they were on opposite sides of the bitter power struggle that tore the party apart in 2021.
She backed Edwin Poots for leadership while Robinson supported Sir Jeffrey Donaldson who eventually became leader when Poots resigned after three weeks.
She has served as the minister for regional development; agriculture; and education as well as being a junior minister.
A senior DUP source said her main role as deputy leader will be team building ahead of the next assembly election in two years.
Analysis: Camera-shy figure focused on ‘Team DUP’
Michelle McIlveen is a vastly experienced Stormont operative who has barely managed to register with the wider public.
And you suspect that’s exactly how she likes it.
As an executive minister she was famously camera shy, rarely doing interviews even when the occasion demanded.
In her new role, she’s unlikely to be any different.
A source said: “Her job will be to travel the length and breadth of Northern Ireland meeting DUP branches.
“The role is building Team DUP ahead of the next assembly election.
“Emma’s job on the other hand is building Northern Ireland in the Executive Office.”
