East Antrim MLA Gordon Lyons is to take up the role of Minister at the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA), replacing Edwin Poots MLA on a temporary basis.

Just two weeks ago, Poots, a Lagan Valley MLA, revealed that he requires cancer treatment after a tumour was discovered on his kidney.

Since Stormont returned last January, Lyons has been working as a junior minister in the Office of the First Minister.

He has been nominated by DUP First Minister Arlene Foster to take on the DAERA portfolio to facilitate surgery and recuperation time for Minister Poots.

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