Democratic Unionist MP Jeffrey Donaldson has been sworn in as a junior minister in the Northern Ireland Executive.
The former Ulster Unionist (45) will replace party colleague Ian Paisley jnr, who announced his intention to resign last week after months of media pressure about his relationship with north Antrim property developer Seymour Sweeney.
Mr Donaldson was sworn in today by Northern Ireland Assembly Speaker William Hay and will serve alongside First Minister Ian Paisley.
Mr Donaldson defected from the Ulster Unionists to the Democratic Unionists in 2004 along with Fermanagh and South Tyrone MLA Arlene Foster.
They quit after years of feuding with David Trimble over his involvement in a power-sharing government with Sinn Féin.
Mr Donaldson's elevation to junior minister today will significantly boost his chances of assuming a more senior Cabinet role in future.
PA