The Democratic Unionist Party has elected Peter Robinson to succeed the Rev Ian Paisley as its new leader.
The East Belfast MP was the choice of the 36-strong Assembly Group, with North Belfast MP Nigel Dodds selected as the new deputy leader.
Assembly members unanimously agreed a joint nomination of Mr Robinson (59) - Finance Minister in the Stormont Executive - and Mr Dodds, who is Economy Minister.
The party’s 120-member Executive Committee is due to formally ratify the nominations on Thursday. It is widely regarded as extremely unlikely the Executive will reject the Assembly Group's choice.
In a statement, the DUP Assembly group said Mr Robinson and Mr Dodds’ joint nomination was proposed by East Antrim MP Sammy Wilson and seconded by Stormont Environment Minister Arlene Foster.
“We are respectful that the process is not complete. Therefore DUP representatives will be making no further comment until after the executive meeting on Thursday evening," the statement said.
It is the first step towards Mr Robinson becoming Northern Ireland First Minister when Mr Paisley goes ahead with his already announced retirement next month.
Mr Robinson (59) has served as the Minister for Finance and Personnel since power sharing resumed last May. His wife Iris has been the MP for Strangford since 2001.
He has been the deputy leader of the party since 1980 and the MP for East Belfast since 1979.
Mr Dodds is expected to take over as Finance Minister when Mr Robinson becomes First Minister after Dr Paisley steps down.
The 81-year-old First Minister, who will remain as an MP and Assembly member, will quit after an investment conference in Belfast scheduled to take place from May 7th to May 9th.