The Progressive Unionist Party (PUP) in Northern Ireland is to choose a new leader next week.
The party's executive will meet on Monday to decide who will replace East Belfast Assembly member David Ervine, who died last week aged 53.
The late David Ervine
Northern Ireland Police Board member Dawn Purvis is being tipped as a frontrunner for the post. She was chosen by the party last night to defend Mr Ervine's seat at the next Stormont election scheduled for March.
East Belfast PUP members also chose John Kyle to replace Mr Ervine on Belfast city council. It is expected that Dr Kyle will be co-opted on to the council rather than a fresh byelection taking place.
The PUP executive will be asked to ratify the East Belfast association's choices for Assembly candidate and for the city council on Monday night.
The Electoral Office is also expected to announce soon who will be the substitute for David Ervine in the Assembly.
PA
