Ex-Soldier Is New Unionist Leader

The Ulster Unionist Party has a new leader, former UDR soldier, and long-serving Orangeman, MLA, Tom Elliott.

Speaking to a packed Waterfront Hall last night, Tom said he was honoured to be taking on the challenge.

"I truly feel privileged to have been elected as Leader by Ulster Unionist members," he said, also paying tribute to the outgoing leader, Sir Reg Empey.

"He has led the Party honourably and diligently," said Mr Empey's successor.

"For me, I am delighted to be taking on the role and look forward to the challenge ahead.

"The Ulster Unionist Party has a tradition of honest, hard working politics putting the interests of Northern Ireland first. This is something which I promise to continue through working on the ground, in our constituencies and in Government," he said.

He promised, that as Leader, he would develop it once again as a leading force in Northern Ireland politics.

"I will bring forward a range of measures during the coming weeks to ensure the Party is in a positive position to deliver policies and arrangements for the benefit of everyone in Northern Ireland," he insisted.

Mr Elliott is the 14th leader and won with a landslide vote at the largest gathering of party members in recent memory.

An Ulster Unionist Council meeting in Belfast's Waterfront Hall, which attracted almost 1,000 members, saw the Fermanagh and South Tyrone MLA defeat the only other candidate, Basil McCrea.

Mr Elliott's victory was comfortable, with the senior Orangeman securing 68.6% of the vote to Mr McCrea's 31.3%.

Mr Elliott was believed to have been boosted by substantial support from his own constituency, and had organised coaches to bring members from Fermanagh and South Tyrone.

At the announcement of the result, the entire meeting rose to afford Mr Elliott a standing ovation and applauded loudly. Both candidates shook hands on stage before making speeches.

Mr Elliott told members: "I am now the new leader of the Ulster Unionist Party and that is your party."

But, he admitted that the campaign had been at times divisive and, addressing his rival, Basil McCrea, he added to applause: "I will certainly not make this a cold house for you or your colleagues."

Meanwhile, the NIO Secretary of State, Owen Paterson, has congratulated Tom Elliott on his election to lead the Ulster Unionist Party.

"I spoke to Tom his morning to offer him my congratulations and to say that I look forward to working with him.

"The Ulster Unionist Party has played a crucial and central role in taking Northern Ireland forward and I am sure that under Tom's leadership it will continue to do so.

"To be elected to lead your party places a great responsibility on any politician," he said, noting that he "will have my support as we all work to help Northern Ireland face the challenges ahead".

(BMcC/KMcA)