Northern Ireland

Doug Beattie: Speculation mounts over future of UUP leadership

Mr Beattie took over as leader of the UUP in May 2021

Ulster Unionist MLA Doug Beattie asked the civil servant if he regretted the letter
Ulster Unionist MLA Doug Beattie asked the civil servant if he regretted the letter (Liam McBurney/PA)
By Caoimhe Quinn McCullough

There is mounting speculation over Doug Beattie’s future as leader of the Ulster Unionist Party (UUP).

The BBC reports that Mr Beattie intends to issue a statement later today to make his position clear amid internal tensions over his role in recent weeks.

The MLA took over as leader in May 2021. He became the third leader of the party in just over four years.

The party has experienced challenges in elections since it was surpassed by the Democratic Unionist Party (DUP) in the early 2000s.

The UUP has been contacted for comment.