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Party chooses successor to Ervine New PUP leader seeks Ervine seat
(about 12 hours later)
The Progressive Unionist Party has chosen the successor to leader David Ervine, who died suddenly earlier this month at the age of 53. The Progressive Unionist Party's new leader has said her number one priority was to retain David Ervine's assembly seat.
Policing Board member Dawn Purvis was selected at a meeting of the UVF-linked party's executive in Belfast. Dawn Purvis has succeeded Mr Ervine, who died suddenly earlier this month at the age of 53.
The Policing Board member was selected at a meeting of the UVF-linked party's executive in Belfast.
"It is a huge challenge to step into this role, especially after the good work David did," she said."It is a huge challenge to step into this role, especially after the good work David did," she said.
"It gives us an opportunity to rebuild and continue to serve working class loyalist and unionist communities." "There was sadness at the meeting last night (Monday) obviously at David's passing," she told the BBC's Good Morning Ulster programme.
Ms Purvis said she felt "deeply honoured". "David influenced so many of us in his life and his work. His death has really impressed upon us all the need and the determination to carry on with that."
"However, this is also tinged with sadness given the huge loss of David." She said her number one priority was to win the assembly seat held by Mr Ervine.
"I want to make sure that seat is retained by the PUP and ensure the loyalist community in west Belfast have that voice.
"It is really important that the loyalist needs and concerns are articulated very well right throughout the community."