He intends to split the roles.
Edwin Poots will reject the chance to become First Minister of Northern Ireland, if he's elected as the new DUP leader.
The north's Sunday Life newspaper reports he instead plans to split the role and focus his attention on the party.
Mr Poots is seen as one of the firm favorites to take over from Arlene Foster, who resigned during the week following revolt within the party.
He currently remains unchallenged in his bid to become the party's next leader.
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