Threat of a challenge to Trimble abates

Senior Ulster Unionist sources have said they do not expect a leadership challenge to Mr David Trimble at today's meeting of …

Senior Ulster Unionist sources have said they do not expect a leadership challenge to Mr David Trimble at today's meeting of the party's ruling body. Around 860 delegates will gather in Belfast for the annual general meeting of the Ulster Unionist Council.

Sources close to the leading anti-agreement MP, Mr Jeffrey Donaldson, said he would not be standing against Mr Trimble.

It is understood anti-agreement MP, the Rev Martin Smyth, has decided not to challenge Mr Trimble. However, anti-agreement figures have predicted a leadership challenge in the autumn.

The UUP leader is due to resign as the North's First Minister on July 1st if there is not substantial movement from the Provisional IRA on decommissioning.

READ MORE

The media will be denied access to today's meeting in the Ulster Hall. The leader's post will be the first up for election. Even if Mr Trimble is not challenged, a serious battle is expected for a range of other positions.

The UUP is due to elect a new president. The position has been vacant since Sir Josias Cunningham died in a car accident last year.

Party chairman Lord Rogan, a close associate of Mr Trimble, is expected to stand, and sources predict a challenge from Mr Smyth.

If Lord Rogan becomes party president, then Mr James Cooper - currently the UUP's vice-chairman and unsuccessful pro-agreement candidate for Fermanagh and South Tyrone in the Westminster election - will stand for the chairmanship.