Mike Nesbitt is set to be the next leader of the Ulster Unionist Party (UUP) as he will run unopposed for the job.
The party’s deputy leader, Robbie Butler, released a statement on Tuesday evening endorsing Nesbitt for the leadership.
He said: “The future of the Ulster Unionist Party, and indeed wider political Unionism in Northern Ireland, must always be foremost when considering change and the role that we all will play.
“A revised and refreshed leadership team of the UUP, led by Mike Nesbitt, is an exciting opportunity to not only embed the vision of a modern, ambitious and vibrant strand of Unionism for the people of Northern Ireland but also to strategically modernise Party structures with and for our membership,” he added.
Mr Butler continued: “Working together we can revitalise both Party and Politics, but of greater importance is to ensure that pro-Union, persuadable and the silent non-voters have a home that reflects and embodies their vision for a prosperous future for all.”
Mike Nesbitt served as leader of the UUP between 2012 and 2017 and has been an MLA for Strangford since 2011.
The Belfast Telegraph are reporting that Mr Nesbitt will remain as Health Minister if he takes up the leadership.
He stepped down as leader following the Assembly election in 2017 when the UUP lost six seats.
Doug Beattie resigned as leader of the party last week, citing “irreconcilable differences” between him and the group of party officers.
With the endorsement from the current deputy leader of the party, it is unclear whether or not Robbie Butler will remain in the role once the new leader takes over.
