Nominations closing for DUP leadership

Mrs Foster is expected to succeed Peter Robinson after Nigel Dodds (left) announced he would not contest the leadership.

Nominations close later for the candidates to become the next leader of the DUP.

Finance Minister Arlene Foster has been nominated with the backing of a majority of the party's most senior elected representatives.

It is understood the East Antrim MP Sammy Wilson is still considering whether to run for the position.

DUP Deputy Leader Nigel Dodds has ruled himself out of the race.

Peter Robinson announced in November that he was standing down as party leader.

On Tuesday, Mrs Foster said she was "very humbled" by the support she has received from party colleagues.

She said she looked forward to leading the DUP, if that was the party's wish.

Mrs Foster said she had hoped to work with Mr Dodds as a team.

"We will still hopefully work together as a team and that is certainly my wish for the future," she said.

In a tweet on Monday night, Mr Robinson said he had "received a valid nomination" from Mrs Foster for the post of DUP leader.

"Arlene's nomination was submitted with the support of over 75% of those entitled to vote in the electoral college," he added.