Arlene Foster to quit as DUP leader and Northern Ireland first minister

© Provided by The Guardian Photograph: Olivier Hoslet/AFP/Getty Images

Arlene Foster has announced she is to step down as leader of the Democratic Unionist party (DUP) and Northern Ireland’s first minister.

She issued a statement on Wednesday, a day after a lightning revolt by Stormont assembly colleagues and the party’s Westminster MPs, who fear a voter backlash over the post-Brexit Irish Sea border.

“A short time ago I called the party chairman to inform him that I intend to step down as leader of the Democratic Unionist party on 28 May and as first minister of Northern Ireland at the end of June,” said the statement.

Foster said it had been a privilege to serve as leader of the party and the region – the first woman to do so. She said: “I am glad I inspired other women to enter politics and spurred them on to take up elected office.

“I understand the misogynistic criticisms that female public figures have to take and sadly it’s the same for all women in public life. I want to encourage you to keep going and don’t let the online lynch-mobs get you down.”

© Photograph: Olivier Hoslet/AFP/Getty Images Arlene Foster said it had been a privilege to serve as leader of the party and the region – the first woman to do so.

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