The DUP may pull out of a key conference in a row between Stormont Ministers Peter Robinson and Conor Murphy over an Executive policy bust-up.

Senior DUP MLA Jim Wells had been due to join a discussion panel at the conference next month focusing on the regional development strategy in Northern Ireland for the next 25 years.

But his attendance risks embarrassing party leader Mr Robinson, who as First Minister has formally asked for the massive policy document underpinning the conference to be withdrawn.

As the Belfast Telegraph revealed, Mr Robinson accused the Sinn Fein Minister of threatening the credibility and future of the Executive by making more than 100 alterations to the document after it had been agreed by ministers.

The leaked letter also indicated a High Court case could be taken against Regional Development Minister Murphy.

Mr Murphy has accepted making alterations.

Mr Wells told the Belfast Telegraph party officials were now considering whether he should boycott the Shaping our Future conference.

“I can see the case for withdrawing given that Peter has said the document should be taken out of the public arena.

“But there is also the point that I would be there to make the same argument my leader has made, that these changes should not have been made and should be withdrawn,” he said.