Empey to step down from Assembly
The Ulster Unionist Party has confirmed Sir Reg Empey is to leave the Assembly.
The decision follows his elevation to the House of Lords.
The party’s former leader, who stepped down after its disastrous general election performance last year, will not contest May’s Assembly election.
UUP leader Tom Elliott paid tribute to Lord Empey’s 25 years as a representative of East Belfast.
“I know that he will be an effective advocate for all the people of Northern Ireland in the Chamber of the House of Lords,” he said.
He added: “Meanwhile, I note the DUP have included several double-jobbers in their team of Assembly hopefuls.”
Mr Elliott said this breached DUP commitments to end dual mandates.
The DUP has said it has made more progress on ending double jobbing than other parties who face the issue.
