Health Minister Mike Nesbitt has emerged as the sole contender for the vacant Ulster Unionist Party leader’s position.
The Strangford MLA has been endorsed as the next leader by the party’s deputy leader Robbie Butler.
If, as expected, the former UTV news anchorman is unchallenged to succeed Doug Beattie it will be his second time leading the party.
Mr Nesbitt, who is understood to be seeking the leader’s role on the basis that he be allowed to reform party structures, previously led the UUP from 2012-2017.
The 68-year-old, who is expected to remain as an executive minister, resigned after a disappointing assembly election result.
The party has had three leaders since, with Mr Beattie quitting last week citing “irreconcilable differences” with party officers.
He is understood to have clashed with members of the party’s ruling executive over the selection of Colin Crawford as a replacement in the assembly for Robin Swann.
Mr Beattie is reported to have supported an alternative candidate.
It had been speculated that deputy leader Mr Butler would be a contender for the party leader’s role, possibly on a joint ticket with East Antrim MLA John Stewart.
However, the Lagan Valley representative ruled himself out of the race ahead of Friday’s deadline for nominations, saying the future of the UUP and wider political unionism “must always be foremost when considering change and the role that we all will play”.
“A revised and refreshed leadership team of the UUP, led by Mike Nesbitt, is an exciting opportunity to not only embed the vision of a modern, ambitious and vibrant strand of unionism for the people of Northern Ireland but also to strategically modernise Party structures with and for our membership,” Mr Butler said.
“Working together we can revitalise both party and politics, but of greater importance is to ensure that pro-union, persuadable and the silent non-voters have a home that reflects and embodies their vision for a prosperous future for all.”
If there is only one name put forward then the leader will be ratified as extraordinary general meeting September 14.
