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."
Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
03 January 2007
Former UUP MP dies aged 81
Former Ulster Unionist MP Cecil Walker has died today after suffering a heart attack. The MP for north Belfast between 1983 and 2001, Sir Cecil lost his seat to the DUP's Nigel Dodds. Ulster Unionist Party Leader Sir Reg Empey said: “I would like to extend my deepest condolences to the Walker family at this sad time.
Former UUP MP dies aged 81
Former Ulster Unionist MP Cecil Walker has died today after suffering a heart attack. The MP for north Belfast between 1983 and 2001, Sir Cecil lost his seat to the DUP's Nigel Dodds. Ulster Unionist Party Leader Sir Reg Empey said: “I would like to extend my deepest condolences to the Walker family at this sad time.
07 August 2001
UUP dismiss IICD report and peace blueprint
Ulster Unionist Party leader David Trimble’s response to the Independent International Commission on Decommissioning (IICD) report has been to again reiterate that the IRA must put its arms beyond use and must decommission its weapons.
UUP dismiss IICD report and peace blueprint
Ulster Unionist Party leader David Trimble’s response to the Independent International Commission on Decommissioning (IICD) report has been to again reiterate that the IRA must put its arms beyond use and must decommission its weapons.
09 December 2002
Trimble fends off Tory ambition speculation
Ulster Unionist Party leader David Trimble has rebuffed suggestions that he is eyeing up the leadership of the Conservative Party and spoken of his desire to see closer links between the Tories and his party.
Trimble fends off Tory ambition speculation
Ulster Unionist Party leader David Trimble has rebuffed suggestions that he is eyeing up the leadership of the Conservative Party and spoken of his desire to see closer links between the Tories and his party.
18 August 2025
UUP Leader Makes Case For NI Remaining In The Union
Ulster Unionist Party leader Mike Nesbitt has argued that Northern Ireland and its citizens are "much better served" by remaining part of the UK.
UUP Leader Makes Case For NI Remaining In The Union
Ulster Unionist Party leader Mike Nesbitt has argued that Northern Ireland and its citizens are "much better served" by remaining part of the UK.
21 June 2021
DUP To Elect New Leader On 26 June
The DUP are set to elect a new leader on Saturday 26 June, Party Chairman Lord Marrow has confirmed. A new leader is being sought following the resignation of Edwin Poots after just 21 days. Lord Marrow said: "The Party Officers have set the date of Saturday 26th June as the date for a meeting to elect a new leader.
DUP To Elect New Leader On 26 June
The DUP are set to elect a new leader on Saturday 26 June, Party Chairman Lord Marrow has confirmed. A new leader is being sought following the resignation of Edwin Poots after just 21 days. Lord Marrow said: "The Party Officers have set the date of Saturday 26th June as the date for a meeting to elect a new leader.
-




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.

