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19/08/2024
Doug Beattie Resigns As UUP Leader
Doug Beattie has announced his resignation as leader of the Ulster Unionist Party (UUP), citing "irreconcilable differences" with party officers.
Having been leader of the party since May 2021, it is understood that internal tensions have increased in recent weeks following the appointment of Colin Crawford as the party's new North Antrim MLA last month. He replaced Robin Swann when he was elected MP for South Antrim.
In a statement released by Mr Beattie, he said that is was "now clear that some believe the momentum needed to keep the Ulster Unionist Party moving in the right direction cannot come from me".
He continued: "Irreconcilable differences between myself and Party Officers combined with the inability to influence and shape the party going forward means that I can no longer remain the party leader."
The UUP will immediately begin the process of selecting a new leader.
Speaking after Mr Beattie's announcement, Sinn Féin Leader, Michelle O'Neill said: "I want to wish Doug Beattie and his family well as he announces today that he will step down as leader of the UUP.
"We have worked constructively since he became leader of his party, including during the restoration of the executive and institutions at the beginning of this year.
"I will continue this constructive approach with the new leader of the UUP when they take up post.
"Sinn Féin will continue to work together with all parties in the Executive and Assembly to ensure we deliver for all for our communities and our public services."
Having been leader of the party since May 2021, it is understood that internal tensions have increased in recent weeks following the appointment of Colin Crawford as the party's new North Antrim MLA last month. He replaced Robin Swann when he was elected MP for South Antrim.
In a statement released by Mr Beattie, he said that is was "now clear that some believe the momentum needed to keep the Ulster Unionist Party moving in the right direction cannot come from me".
He continued: "Irreconcilable differences between myself and Party Officers combined with the inability to influence and shape the party going forward means that I can no longer remain the party leader."
The UUP will immediately begin the process of selecting a new leader.
Speaking after Mr Beattie's announcement, Sinn Féin Leader, Michelle O'Neill said: "I want to wish Doug Beattie and his family well as he announces today that he will step down as leader of the UUP.
"We have worked constructively since he became leader of his party, including during the restoration of the executive and institutions at the beginning of this year.
"I will continue this constructive approach with the new leader of the UUP when they take up post.
"Sinn Féin will continue to work together with all parties in the Executive and Assembly to ensure we deliver for all for our communities and our public services."
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Northern Ireland WeatherToday:Staying cold. Any freezing fog that has formed overnight will slowly thin and disperse during the morning. Otherwise dry and bright much of the day with perhaps the odd coastal shower in the north and east. Maximum temperature 4 °C.Tonight:Dry at first with cloud thickening from the south through the evening. The odd shower, wintry over high ground, over northern counties, becoming more persistent rain over Down and Antrim. Minimum temperature 0 °C.
