Ulster Unionist Party leader, Mr David Trimble has seen off another challenge to his leadership today by winning the backing of 60 per cent of delegates at the party's annual conference in Belfast.
"I'm delighted that the party council has, by such a significant majority, re-elected me as leader," Mr Trimble told reporters after the result.
"This does represent the settled will of the party, and I hope that the party will become settled as a result of today's meeting."
Mr Trimble's supporters were confident he would defeat his two challengers, Portadown businessman Mr Robert Oliver and Coleraine marketing and management consultant Mr David Hoey. Mr Hoey mustered 22 per cent of the vote and Mr Oliver 18 per cent, a result seen as delivering a clear victory to Mr Trimble.
Mr Hoey and Mr Oliver put their names forward as challengers after South Antrim MP David Burnside called last month for a change of leadership. In the absence of Mr Trimbles' chief critic, Mr Jeffrey Donaldson, who led several challenges to Trimble's authority at past council meetings, no high profile candidate was prepared to put themselves up against the leader.
However Mr Trimble's internal critics warned that his latest victory would drive between 100 and 150 members out of the party.
"Morale is lower than I have ever seen it," one veteran member said.
"I am being told you are looking in the region of 100 to 150 people leaving. Some of them will go to the DUP, others simply will pack in their involvement in politics." Trimble loyalists also accepted there would be more defections, but were more philosophical.
"When Jeffrey [Donaldson] left, it enabled us to rebuild in his constituency of Lagan Valley and attract people who were put off by the squabbling orchestrated by his wing," one Assembly supporter said.
"If more people do go after today, we will continue to rebuild the UUP and attract people to our ranks."
Council delegates were also due to vote today on a number of other key positions in the party.
South Belfast MP, the Rev Martin Smyth, who secured 43 per cent support in an unsuccessful bid to oust Mr Trimble four years ago, was facing a tough battle to hold onto his role as party president against a challenge from Lord Rogan.
Delegates were also due to elect four vice presidents and four honorary secretaries.
Sources close to former Stormont Economy Minister Sir Reg Empey, who was touted as a possible leadership contender, suggested he may not seek re-election as a vice president.
Belfast councillor, Mr Jim Rodgers was also reported to be considering last night whether he would withdraw from the party officers' team.
The council was also due to vote on new party rules.
PA