08/01/2026
Ulster Unionist Party Begins Leadership Election Process
The Ulster Unionist Party (UUP) has officially started the process to appoint its new leadership team.
To facilitate a stable handover, Mike Nesbitt MLA is set to remain as Party Leader until an Extraordinary General Meeting (EGM) takes place at the Stormont Hotel in Belfast on Saturday 31 January 2026. Following the party's established rules, the membership will elect a new Leader and Deputy Leader jointly during the meeting. The window for formal nominations for both roles is now open and will remain so until 15 January 2026.
To assist members in their decision-making, the party has scheduled two internal hustings events. These sessions will be closed to the public, providing a private forum for candidates to present their visions and engage directly with the 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."
To facilitate a stable handover, Mike Nesbitt MLA is set to remain as Party Leader until an Extraordinary General Meeting (EGM) takes place at the Stormont Hotel in Belfast on Saturday 31 January 2026. Following the party's established rules, the membership will elect a new Leader and Deputy Leader jointly during the meeting. The window for formal nominations for both roles is now open and will remain so until 15 January 2026.
To assist members in their decision-making, the party has scheduled two internal hustings events. These sessions will be closed to the public, providing a private forum for candidates to present their visions and engage directly with the 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."
Latest Northern Ireland News
08 January 2026
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The Western Health and Social Care Trust has unveiled Northern Ireland's first specialist research nurse for motor neurone disease (MND), a role based at Altnagelvin Hospital and fully funded by the Motor Neurone Disease Association. The position forms part of the Association's £7.
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08 January 2026
Lidl Northern Ireland Unveils Fibre Strategy And 2030 Targets
Lidl Northern Ireland has become the first supermarket on the island of Ireland to set out a dedicated fibre strategy, pledging to raise the tonnage of total fibre sold by 20% and to ensure wholegrains account for 20% of all grains sold by 2030.
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Lidl Northern Ireland has become the first supermarket on the island of Ireland to set out a dedicated fibre strategy, pledging to raise the tonnage of total fibre sold by 20% and to ensure wholegrains account for 20% of all grains sold by 2030.
08 January 2026
Man Arrested After Hammer Attack In Newtownards
A 59-year-old man has been taken into police custody following a violent assault in Newtownards on Wednesday, 7th January. The incident occurred in the Blenheim Drive area, where it is reported that a man in his 60s was attacked with a hammer outside a block of flats. Emergency services were alerted to the report at approximately 12:35pm.
Man Arrested After Hammer Attack In Newtownards
A 59-year-old man has been taken into police custody following a violent assault in Newtownards on Wednesday, 7th January. The incident occurred in the Blenheim Drive area, where it is reported that a man in his 60s was attacked with a hammer outside a block of flats. Emergency services were alerted to the report at approximately 12:35pm.
08 January 2026
Sinn Féin Calls For Greater Eviction Protections In Rental Reform
Sinn Féin's spokesperson for housing, Colm Gildernew, has emphasized that new regulations regarding notice to quit periods must focus on strengthening protections for people in the rental sector.
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Sinn Féin's spokesperson for housing, Colm Gildernew, has emphasized that new regulations regarding notice to quit periods must focus on strengthening protections for people in the rental sector.
08 January 2026
Govt Signals Potential Changes To Troubles Bill
The UK Government has for the first time publicly acknowledged that the Northern Ireland Troubles Bill requires amendments to ensure better safeguards for veterans, according to the DUP.
Govt Signals Potential Changes To Troubles Bill
The UK Government has for the first time publicly acknowledged that the Northern Ireland Troubles Bill requires amendments to ensure better safeguards for veterans, according to the DUP.
08 January 2026
Olympic Hero Hannah Scott MBE To Receive Freedom Of The Borough
Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council has formally approved a proposal to grant the Freedom of the Borough to Olympic champion Hannah Scott MBE. The motion, put forward by Alliance councillors Alderman Yvonne Boyle and Councillor Amy Mairs, celebrates the rower's historic achievements on the world stage.
Olympic Hero Hannah Scott MBE To Receive Freedom Of The Borough
Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council has formally approved a proposal to grant the Freedom of the Borough to Olympic champion Hannah Scott MBE. The motion, put forward by Alliance councillors Alderman Yvonne Boyle and Councillor Amy Mairs, celebrates the rower's historic achievements on the world stage.
08 January 2026
Ulster Unionist Party Begins Leadership Election Process
The Ulster Unionist Party (UUP) has officially started the process to appoint its new leadership team. To facilitate a stable handover, Mike Nesbitt MLA is set to remain as Party Leader until an Extraordinary General Meeting (EGM) takes place at the Stormont Hotel in Belfast on Saturday 31 January 2026.
Ulster Unionist Party Begins Leadership Election Process
The Ulster Unionist Party (UUP) has officially started the process to appoint its new leadership team. To facilitate a stable handover, Mike Nesbitt MLA is set to remain as Party Leader until an Extraordinary General Meeting (EGM) takes place at the Stormont Hotel in Belfast on Saturday 31 January 2026.
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Health Minister Praises Award-Winning Team At Belfast City Hospital
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Bangor Sausage Manufacturer Announces £2.2m Productivity Boost
A long-standing family business in County Down is set to transform its operations through a £2.2 million investment in state-of-the-art machinery.
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07 January 2026
Public Urged To Have Say On 'Transformational' Multi-Year Budget
Finance Minister John O'Dowd has opened a public consultation regarding the draft Budget for 2026-2029/30, calling on citizens to contribute their views on the future of Northern Ireland's public services. The proposed multi-year budget aims to offer government departments the financial predictability required for effective long-term planning.
Public Urged To Have Say On 'Transformational' Multi-Year Budget
Finance Minister John O'Dowd has opened a public consultation regarding the draft Budget for 2026-2029/30, calling on citizens to contribute their views on the future of Northern Ireland's public services. The proposed multi-year budget aims to offer government departments the financial predictability required for effective long-term planning.
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Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A sunny but frosty start for many. However cloud increases by midday with a few showers reaching the north coast, these mostly light but spreading inland this afternoon. Chilly. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:A rather cloudy evening with scattered showers. Becoming drier through the night with some good clear spells developing and a patchy frost away from coasts. Minimum temperature 0 °C.

