Menu
13/05/2021
Robbie Butler Will Not Stand For UUP Leadership
UUP MLA Robbie Butler has confirmed he will not stand for the leadership of the party.
Doug Beattie is the only contender in the running to replace current leader Steve Aiken.
In a statement Mr Butler said: "Whilst I have given thought to the idea of leading the party at some stage, I did not expect to be considering it this week.
"Events late last week have caused me to focus my thinking and aspirations for the future of Northern Ireland and my role within the UUP.
"It has been perhaps one of the greatest pleasures of my life to continue my 20-year public service into the political sphere and it is my intention to continue on that path for the foreseeable future; however at this stage, it will not be as the leader of the Ulster Unionist Party.
"I have been overwhelmed by messages from friends, strangers, constituents, business people and many more with encouragement and well wishes. I thank each and every one of you. The validation and encouragement to stand as a candidate has been truly inspiring, and isn’t wasted.
"I am even more convinced and determined that there is more that unites us than divides us, and it is in that same manner that it will be my pleasure to serve under the leadership of Doug Beattie MC MLA if he indeed is elected the new leader of the UUP.
"A top team needs players with different but complementary skills and I am convinced that we have the ability, resource and energy to “cut through” as Northern Ireland charts a way out of the Covid-19 pandemic and looks positively towards its second century.
"Please be assured that my few days considering the leadership of this proud party was serious but personal ambition must always come second to doing what is right for Northern Ireland. Having listened to Doug speak on the media this week and spent some time with him personally, I believe we have a candidate who possesses the skills and attributes that are currently needed."
Doug Beattie is the only contender in the running to replace current leader Steve Aiken.
In a statement Mr Butler said: "Whilst I have given thought to the idea of leading the party at some stage, I did not expect to be considering it this week.
"Events late last week have caused me to focus my thinking and aspirations for the future of Northern Ireland and my role within the UUP.
"It has been perhaps one of the greatest pleasures of my life to continue my 20-year public service into the political sphere and it is my intention to continue on that path for the foreseeable future; however at this stage, it will not be as the leader of the Ulster Unionist Party.
"I have been overwhelmed by messages from friends, strangers, constituents, business people and many more with encouragement and well wishes. I thank each and every one of you. The validation and encouragement to stand as a candidate has been truly inspiring, and isn’t wasted.
"I am even more convinced and determined that there is more that unites us than divides us, and it is in that same manner that it will be my pleasure to serve under the leadership of Doug Beattie MC MLA if he indeed is elected the new leader of the UUP.
"A top team needs players with different but complementary skills and I am convinced that we have the ability, resource and energy to “cut through” as Northern Ireland charts a way out of the Covid-19 pandemic and looks positively towards its second century.
"Please be assured that my few days considering the leadership of this proud party was serious but personal ambition must always come second to doing what is right for Northern Ireland. Having listened to Doug speak on the media this week and spent some time with him personally, I believe we have a candidate who possesses the skills and attributes that are currently needed."
Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
14 November 2024
Alliance Warns Of Post Office Closure Impact On Vulnerable
Alliance Communities spokespeople Sian Mulholland MLA and Kellie Armstrong MLA have warned that the closure of local Crown Post Office branches could disproportionately affect the most vulnerable members of society.
Alliance Warns Of Post Office Closure Impact On Vulnerable
Alliance Communities spokespeople Sian Mulholland MLA and Kellie Armstrong MLA have warned that the closure of local Crown Post Office branches could disproportionately affect the most vulnerable members of society.
16 March 2012
Kennedy Opts Out Of UUP Leadership Race
Regional Development Minister, Danny Kennedy, has said that he will not contest leadership of the Ulster Unionist Party (UUP). He said his reasoning was that a potentially difficult and divisive leadership election was not in the interest of the party. Mr Kennedy also said he had not made any deals with the other candidates.
Kennedy Opts Out Of UUP Leadership Race
Regional Development Minister, Danny Kennedy, has said that he will not contest leadership of the Ulster Unionist Party (UUP). He said his reasoning was that a potentially difficult and divisive leadership election was not in the interest of the party. Mr Kennedy also said he had not made any deals with the other candidates.
23 August 2010
McCrea Bids For Unionist Leadership
The NI Policing Board member and Lagan Valley MLA Basil McCrea is to stand for leadership of the Ulster Unionist Party (UUP).
McCrea Bids For Unionist Leadership
The NI Policing Board member and Lagan Valley MLA Basil McCrea is to stand for leadership of the Ulster Unionist Party (UUP).
15 March 2012
Mike Nesbitt Contests UUP Leadership
Strangford MLA Mike Nesbitt is the latest polictican to launch his bid to become the next leader of the Ulster Unionist Party (UUP). He will join the party's Deputy Leader John McCallister in the contest for the party's top spot. It is also expected that the party's only minister Danny Kennedy will announced his interest shortly.
Mike Nesbitt Contests UUP Leadership
Strangford MLA Mike Nesbitt is the latest polictican to launch his bid to become the next leader of the Ulster Unionist Party (UUP). He will join the party's Deputy Leader John McCallister in the contest for the party's top spot. It is also expected that the party's only minister Danny Kennedy will announced his interest shortly.
18 October 2001
Midnight withdrawal of UUP ministers
Ulster Unionist Party leader David Trimble has announced the resignation of the three UUP ministers in the Northern Ireland’s power sharing executive. Mr Trimble made the announcement at Stormont around 4pm on Thursday October 18. He said that resignation letters from all ministers had been lodged and would take effect as of midnight tonight.
Midnight withdrawal of UUP ministers
Ulster Unionist Party leader David Trimble has announced the resignation of the three UUP ministers in the Northern Ireland’s power sharing executive. Mr Trimble made the announcement at Stormont around 4pm on Thursday October 18. He said that resignation letters from all ministers had been lodged and would take effect as of midnight tonight.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:It will be cloudy again throughout the day. Mainly dry in the morning, but patchy drizzle in places, becoming more widespread and persistent in the afternoon. Freshening southwesterly winds. Maximum temperature 12 °C.Tonight:Cloudy with a spell of heavy rain pushing south through late evening and the early hours, followed by some clear spells. Minimum temperature 6 °C.
