Sam Foster, Stepped down from position as Environment Minister
Play
Stop
Morning Ireland: Tommie Gorman, Northern Editor, reports on the political situation in the North
David Trimble has announced a reshuffle of a number of senior party positions in the Northern Assembly. South Down MLA Dermot Nesbitt has been appointed Environment Minister, with Sam Foster stepping down.
Mr Nesbitt's appointment created a vacancy in the Office of the First Minister and Deputy First Minister at Stormont. North Antrim MLA, James Leslie will fill this vacancy.
It is thought THAT the reshuffle was aimed at strengthening the Ulster Unionist leader's position, healing some of the rifts within the UUP and preparing the party for the battle with the DUP in next year's Assembly elections.
