The outgoing leader of the Ulster Unionist Party (UUP) has ruled out standing in any forthcoming leadership contest.
Doug Beattie, who resigned on Monday, issued a statement addressing speculation that some within the party want him to see him reinstated as leader.
Mr Beattie said that resigning was “one of the hardest decisions I have made” but “for the good of the party, I had no choice but to step down.
“Throughout my time as leader I have always been open and honest,” he said. “I have not always got things right, but I have accepted responsibility for my failings and I expect others to do similar.
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“It would simply not be credible, or right, for me to put my name forward to be re-elected as the party leader.
“I must accept that while a large number would like me to stay as leader there is an equal number that may not.”
Mr Beattie guaranteed his “full support and loyalty” to the new leader, saying he hoped they could “continue to modernise the party.”
The decorated British army veteran, who became UUP leader in 2021, stood down following a dispute with the local constituency association over the selection of a new Assembly member to fill the Stormont seat vacated by the move to Westminster of the new South Antrim MP, Robin Swann.
In his resignation statement, he cited “irreconcilable differences between myself and party officers combined with the inability to influence and shape the party going forward” which meant he could no longer remain as party leader.
Nominations for the leadership, which opened on Tuesday, will close on August 30th, with an extraordinary general meeting on September 14th to ratify or elect the new leader.
Names which have been mooted include the current deputy leader Robbie Butler and former leader Mike Nesbitt, who is the North’s minister for health.
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