The Ulster Unionist Party has begun the search for a new leader following Doug Beattie’s resignation after little more than three years in the role.
The former British army captain, who succeeded Steve Aiken as leader in May 2021, cited “irreconcilable differences” with other members of the party’s 14-person ruling executive.
The departing leader is reportedly unhappy about last month’s selection of Ballymena councillor Colin Crawford as an assembly replacement for newly-elected MP Robin Swann.
Mr Beattie reportedly tendered his resignation over the matter at the time but then decided not to quit.
However, it appears matters came to a head over the weekend, with the Upper Bann MLA saying he could no longer remain as party leader.
Deputy leader Robbie Butler is the most likely successor, as Mr Beattie becomes the fourth ex-party leader in the UUP’s nine-man Stormont team.
In his resignation statement, he described leading the Ulster Unionists as a “huge honour”.
He said he had assumed the role with the aim of “addressing the party decline, enhancing party influence across these islands and returning the Ulster Unionist Party to Westminster”.
“Following the recent general election results the party has now returned to the green benches after an absence of seven years,” he said.
“Our share of the vote had increased slightly, and we have also elevated a member to the House of Lords. This is something we have not achieved in thirteen years; a move that demonstrates our increased influence at the highest levels of government.”
Mr Beattie said he had found the leadership role “lonely and isolating” at times and that it had also strained friendships and political relationships.
“It is now clear that some believe the momentum needed to keep the Ulster Unionist Party moving in the right direction cannot come from me,” he said.
“Irreconcilable differences between myself and party officers combined with the inability to influence and shape the party going forward means that I can no longer remain the party leader.”
He voiced hope that his successor would be given “freedom” to fulfil the departing leader’s aim of creating an “inclusive” party “promoting a positive message”.
President Michael D Higgins wished the former UUP leader well and said he had “appreciated all of our contact”.
“I want to acknowledge also Mr Beattie’s open and courageous recognition of the challenges experienced during and prior to this period which I am sure has helped many others in and beyond his community,” he said.
Secretary of State Hilary Benn thanked the Upper Bann MLA for what he termed “commendable leadership”.
“It is clear that he has always sought to act in Northern Ireland’s best interests and I know he will continue to do so. I look forward to working closely with his successor,” he said.
Sinn Féin First Minister Michelle O’Neill wished Mr Beattie well, saying she had “worked constructively” with the Upper Bann MLA.
“I will continue this constructive approach with the new leader of the UUP when they take up post,” she said.
DUP leader Gavin Robinson said he had spoken to Mr Beattie and that he would work with his successor to “maximise the pro-union vote”.
He said the pair shared many interests and although they differed over tactics, the East Belfast MP believes his former UUP counterpart is a “committed unionist”.
“Doug knows I was disappointed that in constituencies like Fermanagh and South Tyrone it required unilateral action by the DUP to ensure there was a single pro-union candidate,” he said.
“Divisions within unionism have handed seats to non-unionists at council level, in the NI Assembly and most recently in the Westminster elections.”
Mr Robinson said his priority in discussions with the new UUP leader would be “how we maximise the pro-union vote in future elections”.
There also tributes from Alliance leader Naomi Long and SDLP leader Colum Eastwood, who said he admired Mr Beattie’s “candour and commitment”.
