SIR Jeffrey Donaldson is likely to be the sole contender to be the next leader of the DUP, it is being reported.

Northern Ireland's longest-serving MP was narrowly defeated by Edwin Poots in a bitter contest which saw claims that Poots' supporters engaged in bullying and intimidation - allegations denied by the agriculture minister.

While fellow MP Sammy Wilson's name has been mentioned as another possible contender for the leadership, it is understood the party favours a "coronation" over another bruising contest, leaving the path clear for Donaldson.

The Lagan Valley MP is regarded as having the potential to heal party divisions after a turbulent few weeks which has seen two party leaders quit.

Former leader and first minister Arlene Foster was ousted in an internal coup last month with her successor Poots - believed to be instrumental in her demise - announcing his resignation last night.

Donaldson helped broker the controversial deal with former Conservative Prime Minister Theresa May in 2017 which saw Northern Ireland get an extra £1billion in return for the unionist party's support at Westminster on key votes.

The 58-year-old started his political career in the Ulster Unionist party as an aide to Enoch Powell and he later defected to the DUP to protest against concessions to Sinn Fein.

Although initially seen as the more moderate option to Poots, Donaldson will have to contend what to do about the Irish language deal Poots agreed with Sinn Fein, Paul Givan's status as First Minister, the Northern Ireland Protocol, and the future of devolution at Stormont.

While Poots' backed Givan, his long-time colleague and friend to be First Minister, it is believed Donaldson would prefer to hold the position himself.

That would mean resigning his seat at Westminster and becoming an MLA at Stormont.

Reports in the Belfast Telegraph say the DUP wants to put Poots' leadership quickly behind them and present a united front under their new leader, who is likely to be put in place as soon as possible.

With an Assembly election looming, the party realises how damaging Poots' short reign as leader - and the internal division it exposed - has been.

The DUP is expected to reveal details of its plans to elect a new leader next week.

Following Poots' resignation Sinn Fein MP Chris Hazzard said the party needed to "step into the 21st century".

"We’re not in a situation any longer where we’re going to be able to stand over prejudice bigotry, we have a situation now where government is about reflecting society," he told the BBC.

"Any incoming leader needs to think very quickly about how they approach this because these issues aren’t going away.”

Alliance leader Naomi Long said “addiction to drama rather than delivery is not just destroying politics, it is ruining lives”.

"People need solutions to the problems they face. They need hope. We now need reform of our institutions so those of us willing to deliver can get on with the job,” the Stormont Justice Minister said.

Taoiseach Micheal Martin said it was a "very turbulent" time for politics in Northern Ireland.

"It's been a very difficult period but it's important we stay focused on the issues. We will work with the new leadership - that is a matter for the DUP - and whoever emerges as their leader," he said.

"We will work constructively with the new leader. It's been a very difficult time for the outgoing leader Edwin Poots but I think it's important that we maintain relationships."

Poots' leadership came crashing down after just 21 days yesterday after he ignored party concerns over an Irish language deal with Sinn Fein to install Givan as First Minister.