Doug Beattie MLA has today announced he will quit as leader of the Ulster Unionist Party (UUP).
In a statement, he said “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.”
He was appointed party leader in May 2021 to replace Steve Aiken and was their sixth leader appointed since 2005.
The UUP have gone through a range of challenges in recent years, but in this year’s general election, they re-gained representation in the House of Commons for the first time since 2015.
Robin Swann ran in South Antrim after Doug Beattie moved him from North Antrim as he saw it as a more realistic opportunity.
But replacing Robin Swann in the Assembly seems to have caused issues within the hierarchy of the party, with Beattie preferring Cllr Darryl Wilson to take the seat.
Colin Crawford was instead selected to replace Swann by the local association, as the leader cannot make that decision on their own.
Differences with party officers
Beattie mentioned specifically in his resignation statement that he is quitting as he cannot “influence and shape the party going forward”.
Notable figures within the party officer group are Jill Macauley (party chair), Lord Empey, Lord Rogan, Daphne Trimble and John Stewart MLA. The two current leader’s nominees are Kate Evans and Diana Armstrong.
“I hope the new leader is given the freedom to act,” Doug Beattie added.
He did acknowledge those who were loyal to him and supported him, even if they didn’t agree with the direction he promoted for the party.
Reaction
First Minister Michelle O’Neill said she wanted to “wish Doug Beattie and his family well” and said that she had worked constructively with him during the restoration of the Executive, and she will “continue this constructive approach with the new leader of the UUP when they take up post.”
DUP leader Gavin Robinson said that the pair had many shared interests, but differed over tactics.
“I called Doug earlier to give him my best wishes. As leaders within Unionism, we had many shared interests. Whilst we differed over tactics, there is no doubt that Doug is a committed Unionist who wants to see Northern Ireland remain firmly within the United Kingdom.”
He added, “Top of my priorities for the new leader will be discussions about how we maximise the pro-Union vote in future elections.”
SDLP leader Colum Eastwood said he has “always admired his candour and commitment to working together in the interests of the people we represent.”
Northern Ireland Secretary Hilary Benn said: “I wish to thank Doug Beattie for the commendable leadership he has demonstrated over the past few years.
“It is clear that he has always sought to act in NI’s best interests and I know he will continue to do so. I look forward to working closely with his successor.”
Beattie’s statement in full
Leading the Ulster Unionist Party has been a huge honour. I took over as the leader at the beginning of a three-year election cycle with an overall aim of addressing the party decline, enhancing party influence across these islands and returning the Ulster Unionist Party to Westminster.
Following the recent General Election results the party has now returned to the green benches after an absence of seven years. Our share of the vote had increased slightly, and we have also elevated a member to the House of Lords. This is something we have not achieved in thirteen years; a move that demonstrates our increased influence at the highest levels of Government.
The party will now re-establish its Parliamentary Party to help increase our influence and ensure the Ulster Unionists voice, promoting a positive, optimistic, pro-union vision, is heard.
These are small successes on the back of a difficult electoral results with a lot of work still to do, particularly in border constituencies. Nevertheless, they are successes which requires momentum to capitalise on the opportunities they present.
It has not been easy and at times it has been both lonely and isolating. I am no stranger to leadership and that is how it often feels in taking a toll both physically and mentally. It also strains friendships and political relationships.
It is now clear that some believe the momentum needed to keep the Ulster Unionist Party moving in the right direction cannot come from me. 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. Therefore, I shall stand down as the Party Leader and allow the party to immediately begin the process to select a new leader who may maintain the confidence of the party and continue the momentum I have started.
It is important to acknowledge the loyalty and support from many within the party. This includes the MLA group and many other elected and non-elected members. I must also acknowledge that some did not agree with the direction and path I set for the party and the vision I promoted. I hope they can see that in the long term only an inclusive Ulster Unionist Party, promoting a positive message, can secure our future. I hope the new leader is given the freedom to act.
