Ms Villiers said:

Warmest congratulations to Arlene Foster on her appointment as leader of the DUP.

I am sure that Arlene will be committed to doing the right thing for everyone in Northern Ireland. As a Minister, Arlene worked hard at home and around the world to secure jobs and investment. She also played a very important role in securing the Fresh Start Agreement and putting the Executive’s finances on a more stable footing.

I very much look forward to working with her in building a brighter, more secure, future for everyone in Northern Ireland.