RHI Inquiry hears claims a key DUP special advisor was the second most powerful person in the party - more powerful than MPs, MLAs and ministers

A former DUP special adviser has told the RHI Inquiry that the real power of the DUP resides in a tiny handful of Stormont SpAds. Timothy Cairns was giving evidence yesterday and said that Timothy Johnston - who is now the DUP's chief executive - was and is so senior within the party, that he is second only to the leader. That would put the unelected figure above deputy leader Nigel Dodds, MPs, MLAs and even, prior to the collapse of devolution, Stormont ministers. Stephen spoke to Newsletter political editor Sam McBride.