Former Finance Minister Sammy Wilson

FORMER Finance Minister Sammy Wilson has said he will not be running for the DUP leadership.

The East Antrim MP had been considering putting his name forward after deputy leader and North Belfast MP Nigel Dodds ruled himself out on Monday.

Instead, Mr Dodds said he would be backing Arlene Foster to be leader and First Minister.

Finance Minister Arlene Foster is the only person so far to declare an interest and has the backing of a majority of the party’s most senior elected representatives.

Nominations to become the next leader of the DUP close later on today, Wednesday, December 9.

Peter Robinson announced last month that he was standing down as party leader and as First Minister..