Upper Bann

Doug Beattie quits Ulster Unionist Party citing ‘toxic atmosphere’ and ‘dismissive leadership’

Doug Beattie has quit the UUP, saying his position ‘is no longer tenable’. In a letter to party leader Jon Burrows, he says a ‘toxic atmosphere has been allowed to flourish’. He will serve the remainder of his term as an independent.

May 31, 2026

UUP: Doug Beattie to be reselected for Assembly election in Upper Bann

The local Ulster Unionist Party association in Upper Bann is now expected to reselect Doug Beattie to stand in next year’s Assembly election. It comes after the party HQ asked the association to ‘revisit’ its decision.

May 21, 2026

UUP: Doug Beattie will not be selected as Upper Bann candidate for next election

Doug Beattie will not be selected as the Ulster Unionist Party’s Upper Bann candidate in the next election. The BBC are reporting that he will stand either as an independent or for another party.

May 12, 2026