Nominations close in UUP race
Nominations for the position of Ulster Unionist leader have closed, with only two contenders in the running to take over the party next month.
The race to succeed outgoing leader Sir Reg Empey, who is due to stand down in September, will be fought between Fermanagh and South Tyrone MLA Tom Elliott and Lagan Valley MLA Basil McCrea.
Both candidates have been found to meet the criteria, a party spokeswoman said on Tuesday.
The party will hold a number of internal meetings where the candidates will be able to put forward their views on how the UUP should move forward.
“These events will be held throughout the Province in the coming weeks and will be open to Party members to attend”, the spokeswoman added.
Mr Elliott said he believes his support lies the diverse grass roots of the Ulster Unionist Party.
“I believe the range of people who supported me in my nomination highlights that. I want to create an inclusive party that can appeal to everyone in Northern Ireland regardless of whether you are from Lisnaskea or the Cregagh Road. I want to ensure that the benefits and the future of the Union is recognised and supported. I want to create a Northern Ireland that is at peace with itself and that all citizens have a settled mindset – comfortable as part of the United Kingdom,” Mr Elliott said.
Mr McCrea said he was the candidate of change.
“The Party needs change – I stand for change. I am opposed to talks of unionist unity because I believe it will lead inevitably to republican unity. I believe unionism needs to reach out to the non voting electorate and others. Traditional unionism will not work in that context. The Party has had two catastrophic electoral performances. More of the same will not do. I want an independent UUP that is positive, modern, democratic, pluralists and able to sell the benefits of the Union to all the people of Northern Ireland.”
Sir Reg is standing down as leader following a disappointing Westminster election during which the party failed to win a single seat and he failed to take South Antrim.
UUP members will meet on 22 September to select their new leader.
