The loyalist Progressive Unionist Party will today choose David Ervine's successor as leader.
A meeting of the party executive will take place to choose the new leader following Mr Ervine's sudden death at the age of 53.
Northern Ireland Policing Board member Dawn Purvis was being tipped by many within the party to replace the East Belfast Assembly member.
Former North Belfast Assembly member Billy Hutchinson has also been mentioned as a possible candidate.
However, it is not clear whether he is willing to take on the role, having stepped back from frontline politics after losing his Assembly seat in 2003.
The PUP, which is linked to the loyalist paramilitary Ulster Volunteer Force and the Red Hand Commando, is facing a tough battle to hold onto Mr Ervine's Stormont seat at the next Assembly election.
With Northern Ireland due to go to the polls on March 7th, party strategists were expecting the battle to retain the seat in East Belfast to be tight even if Mr Ervine had been around.
PA