16/01/2026
Nominations Close For UUP Leadership Race
The Ulster Unionist Party (UUP) has provided an update on its leadership transition following the decision by Mike Nesbitt MLA to step down from the role.
The party confirmed that the nomination period officially concluded at 5pm on Thursday 15 January. Jon Burrows MLA is the candidate moving forward in the process, having successfully reached the required nomination threshold. To qualify, Mr Burrows secured 35 signatures representing at least nine different constituency associations.
The UUP will now enter the next phase of the transition. The Party Management Board is scheduled to meet to determine the final arrangements for leadership engagements and to prepare for an Extraordinary General Meeting. This meeting, where the new leader will be formally ratified, is set to take place on 31 January 2026.
In the interim, Mike Nesbitt MLA remains the Party Leader and will continue in the position until the ratification process is complete.
The UUP will now enter the next phase of the transition. The Party Management Board is scheduled to meet to determine the final arrangements for leadership engagements and to prepare for an Extraordinary General Meeting. This meeting, where the new leader will be formally ratified, is set to take place on 31 January 2026.
In the interim, Mike Nesbitt MLA remains the Party Leader and will continue in the position until the ratification process is complete.
Latest Northern Ireland News
16 January 2026
New Campaign Aims To Combat Online Child Abuse
The Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) and the child protection charity, the Lucy Faithfull Foundation, have launched a new initiative designed to prevent online sexual offending against children by offering a confidential and anonymous support system for those engaging in or at risk of illegal digital activities.
New Campaign Aims To Combat Online Child Abuse
The Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) and the child protection charity, the Lucy Faithfull Foundation, have launched a new initiative designed to prevent online sexual offending against children by offering a confidential and anonymous support system for those engaging in or at risk of illegal digital activities.
16 January 2026
Police Name Man Who Died Following Nutts Corner Collision
The PSNI has formally identified the man who lost his life following a two-vehicle road traffic collision near Nutts Corner on Sunday, 11 January. Ralph Anthony Singco, who was in his 30s, passed away following the incident in Crumlin. He was the husband of Cathrene Kith Quiñones Singco, who also died as a result of the crash.
Police Name Man Who Died Following Nutts Corner Collision
The PSNI has formally identified the man who lost his life following a two-vehicle road traffic collision near Nutts Corner on Sunday, 11 January. Ralph Anthony Singco, who was in his 30s, passed away following the incident in Crumlin. He was the husband of Cathrene Kith Quiñones Singco, who also died as a result of the crash.
16 January 2026
New Generation of Firefighters Graduate Following Intensive Training
The Northern Ireland Fire & Rescue Service (NIFRS) has officially welcomed 24 new Wholetime Firefighters into its ranks following a graduation ceremony at the Learning & Development College in Cookstown.
New Generation of Firefighters Graduate Following Intensive Training
The Northern Ireland Fire & Rescue Service (NIFRS) has officially welcomed 24 new Wholetime Firefighters into its ranks following a graduation ceremony at the Learning & Development College in Cookstown.
16 January 2026
Two Charged After £250,000 Cannabis Seizure In County Down
Two men have appeared before Craigavon Magistrates Court this morning, Friday 16 January, following a significant drugs seizure in County Down.
Two Charged After £250,000 Cannabis Seizure In County Down
Two men have appeared before Craigavon Magistrates Court this morning, Friday 16 January, following a significant drugs seizure in County Down.
16 January 2026
Alliance Party Brands Breast Cancer Waiting Times 'Unacceptable'
The Alliance Party's Health spokesperson, Nuala McAllister MLA, has described the current waiting times for breast cancer services in Northern Ireland as "unacceptable." Her comments follow the release of new Department of Health statistics, which revealed that of the 6,194 referrals classified as urgent, only 3.
Alliance Party Brands Breast Cancer Waiting Times 'Unacceptable'
The Alliance Party's Health spokesperson, Nuala McAllister MLA, has described the current waiting times for breast cancer services in Northern Ireland as "unacceptable." Her comments follow the release of new Department of Health statistics, which revealed that of the 6,194 referrals classified as urgent, only 3.
16 January 2026
Executive Approves Next Steps For Non-Domestic RHI Scheme Shut Down
Economy Minister Dr Caoimhe Archibald has welcomed a decision by the Executive to approve her proposals for the formal closure of the Non-Domestic Renewable Heat Incentive (RHI) scheme. The move marks a definitive step in fulfilling the commitment made under the New Decade, New Approach agreement to wind down the programme.
Executive Approves Next Steps For Non-Domestic RHI Scheme Shut Down
Economy Minister Dr Caoimhe Archibald has welcomed a decision by the Executive to approve her proposals for the formal closure of the Non-Domestic Renewable Heat Incentive (RHI) scheme. The move marks a definitive step in fulfilling the commitment made under the New Decade, New Approach agreement to wind down the programme.
16 January 2026
Third Person Arrested In Connection With Serious Assault In L'Derry
Detectives investigating a violent assault that occurred in L'Derry last summer have now made a total of three arrests. The latest development follows a planned search and arrest operation conducted in the city today, Thursday 15 January. The investigation stems from an incident on Friday 29 August.
Third Person Arrested In Connection With Serious Assault In L'Derry
Detectives investigating a violent assault that occurred in L'Derry last summer have now made a total of three arrests. The latest development follows a planned search and arrest operation conducted in the city today, Thursday 15 January. The investigation stems from an incident on Friday 29 August.
16 January 2026
Cold Snaps Trigger Surge In Burst Pipes - NI Water
Repeated cold snaps since the start of January have led to a marked increase in burst pipes across NI Water's network and on private premises. While NI Water crews continue to locate and repair bursts on the public system, customers are being urged to help by inspecting their own properties for leaks.
Cold Snaps Trigger Surge In Burst Pipes - NI Water
Repeated cold snaps since the start of January have led to a marked increase in burst pipes across NI Water's network and on private premises. While NI Water crews continue to locate and repair bursts on the public system, customers are being urged to help by inspecting their own properties for leaks.
16 January 2026
Cancer Waiting Times Published for Autumn Quarter
The Department of Health has released Accredited Official Statistics regarding cancer waiting times in Northern Ireland for the quarter ending September 2025.
Cancer Waiting Times Published for Autumn Quarter
The Department of Health has released Accredited Official Statistics regarding cancer waiting times in Northern Ireland for the quarter ending September 2025.
16 January 2026
Nominations Close For UUP Leadership Race
The Ulster Unionist Party (UUP) has provided an update on its leadership transition following the decision by Mike Nesbitt MLA to step down from the role. The party confirmed that the nomination period officially concluded at 5pm on Thursday 15 January.
Nominations Close For UUP Leadership Race
The Ulster Unionist Party (UUP) has provided an update on its leadership transition following the decision by Mike Nesbitt MLA to step down from the role. The party confirmed that the nomination period officially concluded at 5pm on Thursday 15 January.
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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.