JEFFREY Donaldson has confirmed he will run to become the next leader of the DUP.

The Lagan Valley MP is not expected to be opposed following a bruising party leadership contest last month.

In a statement last night, Donaldson confirmed he had submitted his nomination papers.

He spoke of optimism for the future while recognising the challenges which face Northern Ireland today.

Donaldson called for unity to oppose the Northern Ireland Protocol and vowed to make the UK Government “recognise the need to take decisive action”.

“Make no mistake, this is the number one issue facing our country, our people and our place within the United Kingdom,” he said.

“If elected, I will ensure that the Government doesn’t just listen, but recognises the need to take decisive action to deal quickly with the protocol.

“A failure to act will undoubtedly have consequences for the stability of our political institutions and the prosperity of our economy.”

Earlier, First Minister Paul Givan said Donaldson will have his full support if he becomes leader.

Donaldson has also called for the DUP to unite, following a turbulent two months that saw former leader Arlene Foster resign after an internal heave against her – and her successor Edwin Poots followed suit after he was also fatally weakened by a party revolt. His resignation on Thursday night came after just three weeks in the post.

It was prompted by his decision to press ahead with re-constituting the Stormont Executive alongside Sinn Fein, despite a significant majority of his MPs and MLAs being vociferously opposed to the move.

Nominations for the DUP leadership will close at noon today. The next leader will be ratified by the DUP’s central executive committee on Saturday.

It is understood that Givan has been urged to resign as First Minister when a new leader is in place. Once Givan resigns, Deputy First Minister Michelle O’Neill will also be removed from her post.