The Ulster Unionist Party (UUP) will select their new leader at an Extraordinary General Meeting (EGM) on Saturday 31 January, at the Stormont Hotel.
This follows the announcement last week that party leader Mike Nesbitt is stepping down to allow someone to take over to prepare for the next Assembly election in 2027.
Nominations for the position of leader and deputy leader of the party are now open, and will close on Thursday 15 January.
Nobody has announced their candidacy yet, however, the two expected to put their name forward for the leader position are Robbie Butler, the current deputy leader, and Jon Burrows, recently co-opted MLA for North Antrim.
Party sources speaking to the Belfast Telegraph have said that Jon Burrows has the support of an “overwhelming majority” of party members – who will vote for the new leader.
Although senior figures within the party would prefer a leadership contest, it’s unclear if that will happen. It is widely expected that Jon Burrows will put his name forward. It was rumoured that Butler would have preferred not having a contest within the party, but senior figures have on Wednesday encouraged him to stand for the position, according to Cool FM News.
Mr Butler has been in the Assembly since 2016 and was appointed deputy leader of the Assembly group in May 2021. In July last year, he was appointed the party’s deputy leader – the first to hold the role.
Members will also vote for a new deputy leader at the meeting at the end of January. The party’s only female MLA, Diana Armstrong, is expected to run alongside Jon Burrows, as reported by the Belfast Telegraph.
If a contest takes place, there will be two members-only hustings events for the candidates to engage with party members.
Ulster Unionist Party Chair Lord Elliott of Ballinamallard commented: “This is a pivotal moment for our party. By implementing a clear and collaborative leadership transition process, we are ensuring that our next chapter is guided by constructive and dynamic dialogue.”
