No Stormont Elections Before Christmas, NI Secretary Confirms

Friday, 4 November 2022 09:30

By Caoimhe Harney

Chris Heaton-Harris said he will outline his next steps in the House of Commons next week

A fresh Stormont Assembly election will not take place before Christmas, the Northern Ireland Secretary has announced.

Chris Heaton-Harris has said he will outline his next steps in the House of Commons next week.

Mr Heaton-Harris is obliged to call an election within 12 weeks of 28 October when the deadline for the Northern Ireland parties to form a fresh executive ran out.

"I can now confirm that no Assembly election will take place in December, or ahead of the festive season," he said in a statement this morning.

"Current legislation requires me to name a date for an election to take place within 12 weeks of 28 October and next week, I will make a statement in Parliament to lay out my next steps.

“My objective, what the people of Northern Ireland deserve, is the restoration of a strong devolved government.

"My duty is to create the right environment for the parties in Northern Ireland to work together to restore the devolved institutions and deliver on crucial issues impacting Northern Ireland’s people.

“I do not take this duty lightly, nor do I overlook the very real concerns people have around their cost of living," he insisted.

I have had valuable conversations with people across Northern Ireland, including business and community representatives. I have listened to their sincere concerns about the impact and cost of an election at this time," he added.

The people of Northern Ireland deserve a strong devolved government. I have had valuable conversations with Party leaders and people across Northern Ireland over the past week and have listened to their concerns about the impact and cost of an election at this time. (1/2)
— Chris Heaton-Harris MP (@chhcalling) November 4, 2022