Lagan Valley MLA, Paul Gavin, has announced his resignation as First Minister of Northern Ireland.
The announcement was made today at the Crowne Plaza Belfast and is believed to have come as part of the party’s protest against the Northern Ireland protocol arrangements in place following Brexit.
Beginning Mr Givan said: “Today marks the end of what has been the privilege of my lifetime to serve as the First Minister of Northern Ireland.”
Concluding his resignation statement, an emotional Givan thanked Edwin Poots, the DUP leader Jeffery Donaldson and his wife & family.
Mr Givan resigning will now initiate the automatic resignation of Sinn Fein’s Michelle O’Neill as Deputy First Minister and cause the Northern Ireland executive to become paralysed of its powers.
Sinn Fein have also held their own press conference calling for an early election, with party president Mary Lou McDonald saying: “In the absence of a functioning Executive, an early election must be called and the people must have their say.”
It’s understood the resignation is effective from midnight tonight (Thursday February 3).
