By Jayne McCormack
BBC News NI political correspondent
There will be no “dissenting voices” in the DUP challenging the installation of Gavin Robinson as interim DUP leader, MP Carla Lockhart has said.
Sir Jeffrey Donaldson resigned as party leader on Friday after being charged with rape and other historical sexual offences.
He has said he will strenuously contest the allegations.
On Thursday, Ms Lockhart, who is the MP for Upper Bann, said the revelations had come as a “big shock”.
She also said whether Sir Jeffrey should stand down as MP Lagan Valley was “for him to decide”.
‘Support of the entire party’
Ms Lockhart added her voice to support for Mr Robinson and said there would be “no leadership challenges”.
“Gavin has the support of the entire party, Gavin will do an excellent job,” she said.
Mr Robinson had been deputy leader of the party since last June, until he was installed as interim DUP leader on Friday.
It is understood he had the unanimous support of the party’s officers, who decide major decisions and set policy.
Ms Lockhart is one of the party’s officers, and said it was “right” the DUP had taken action and that the party was focused on delivering for Northern Ireland.
“But it is important we in no way put at risk the justice system and allow the PSNI to do their jobs,” she added.
Image source, Liam McBurney/PA
Ms Lockhart said there would be “no leadership challenges”
The MP also insisted that the DUP was a family and “not about one person” and that the party would go into the upcoming general election as a team.
“It is important we show unionist unity and unite unionism – that’s what I’m about.”
On Friday, the DUP said Sir Jeffrey had confirmed he had been charged with historical allegations and was stepping down as leader.
The party’s officers suspended him from membership, pending the outcome of the case.
Sir Jeffrey’s letter to the DUP said he would be strenuously contesting the charges.
He and the 57-year-old woman were both arrested on Thursday morning by PSNI detectives and were questioned before being charged on Thursday night.
He and the woman are due to appear in court in April.
