The brother of dead loyalist David Ervine has been elected leader of the Progressive Unionist Party (PUP).

Brian Ervine, a teacher, said he wants to continue his brother's legacy. The PUP's last leader, Dawn Purvis, resigned from the party because of its links with the UVF. In May, the UVF murdered loyalist Bobby Moffett on Belfast's Shankill Road.

The PUP had voted to retain its links with the UVF. Brian Ervine condemned Moffett's killing but said: "I believe that the channels should still be opened and in the great scheme of things over the past 10 years there hasn't been a complete cessation, but it has eased tremendously.

"That's due to progressive men in those organisations and the restraining influence of the PUP."

David Ervine died of a heart attack three years ago.

It is understood that Brian Ervine will stand against Dawn Purvis in May's Assembly elections in East Belfast.