05/01/2026
Mike Nesbitt Resigns As Leader Of The Ulster Unionist Party
The Ulster Unionist Party (UUP) has announced that Mike Nesbitt MLA is to step down as Party Leader.
The decision marks a major transitional phase for the party as it begins preparations for the 2027 polls and its long-term strategy leading into the next decade.
Since returning to the leadership in 2024, Mr Nesbitt has served as the Minister of Health, a role the party credits with reinforcing its reputation for effective governance. During his second tenure, he oversaw significant internal modernisation, including the restoration of financial stability and the strengthening of the party's policy and communications departments.
Mr Nesbitt's previous term as leader included notable electoral successes, such as strong performances in the 2014 local and European elections and the return of two MPs to Westminster in 2015.
Explaining his decision not to seek a fifth term, Mike Nesbitt said:
"The next five-year mandate stretches to May 2032, the month I hope to celebrate my 75th birthday. That's a commitment to fulltime politics I just do not feel I can make. And I would not be comfortably seeking a vote knowing that privately I was intending to retire during the mandate.
"I retook the leadership to do a short-term job of getting the Party match fit for the forthcoming election campaign. That job is now done so the time is right to select the politician who will lead us into the May 2027 polls promoting our brand of confident, responsible unionism."
The party's officers are expected to outline the process for selecting a successor in the near future, with the aim of ensuring a seamless transition.
Lord Elliott of Ballinamallard, the Party Chair, commented: "We are deeply grateful to Mike for his decades of service and unwavering dedication to improving our society. As we enter 2026, we look forward to building on the strong platform he has created. Our next Leader will champion forward-looking Unionism – safeguarding Northern Ireland's place in the UK while promoting prosperity, reconciliation, and a shared future for all."
The decision marks a major transitional phase for the party as it begins preparations for the 2027 polls and its long-term strategy leading into the next decade.
Since returning to the leadership in 2024, Mr Nesbitt has served as the Minister of Health, a role the party credits with reinforcing its reputation for effective governance. During his second tenure, he oversaw significant internal modernisation, including the restoration of financial stability and the strengthening of the party's policy and communications departments.
Mr Nesbitt's previous term as leader included notable electoral successes, such as strong performances in the 2014 local and European elections and the return of two MPs to Westminster in 2015.
Explaining his decision not to seek a fifth term, Mike Nesbitt said:
"I retook the leadership to do a short-term job of getting the Party match fit for the forthcoming election campaign. That job is now done so the time is right to select the politician who will lead us into the May 2027 polls promoting our brand of confident, responsible unionism."
The party's officers are expected to outline the process for selecting a successor in the near future, with the aim of ensuring a seamless transition.
Lord Elliott of Ballinamallard, the Party Chair, commented: "We are deeply grateful to Mike for his decades of service and unwavering dedication to improving our society. As we enter 2026, we look forward to building on the strong platform he has created. Our next Leader will champion forward-looking Unionism – safeguarding Northern Ireland's place in the UK while promoting prosperity, reconciliation, and a shared future for all."
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14 November 2014
Mike Nesbitt Will Not Stand In Westminster Elections
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