The deadline for a Government to be formed in Northern Ireland has been extended by a year.
The British Secretary of State Chris Heaton Harris has set a new deadline of January 18th 2024.
The Northern Ireland (Executive Formation) Bill will extend the period for Executive Formation by one year, to 18 January 2024. https://t.co/B6QhQgqLku pic.twitter.com/bGr7W9yaEX
— Northern Ireland Office (@NIOgov) February 9, 2023
In a statement, he said an election is not the best way to secure a new Executive at Stormont.
He said the new deadline will give Northern Irish parties time and space to work together to form a Government.
An election may be called at any time during the new negotiation period if the Secretary of State deems it appropriate.
