New Alliance Party deputy leader to be selected in October

A new deputy leader of the Alliance Party will be selected at a special meeting next month, it has been confirmed.

Party officials met on Thursday evening to decide a timetable for choosing a new deputy leader.

Last week, Stephen Farry announced he was stepping down after losing his Westminster seat in the July general election.

Farry served in the role since 2016 and was elected MP for North Down in 2019 but lost his seat in July to independent unionist Alex Easton.

Nominations for a new leader have opened and will close on 26 September.

Farry will remain in post until the new leader takes up the role.

After announcing his resignation last week, Farry said: "I hope I have made a significant contribution on many issues, and helped to make this place a more inclusive and prosperous society."

A special meeting of delegates will take place on 10 October where the candidate will be declared.

Only elected MP and MLAs can run for the job, meaning there are 17 possible candidates.