The Ulster Unionists have had six leaders since 2010, four of which have been in the last seven years. The party’s nine-strong assembly team contains four of those former leaders and up until last month, when Robin Swann won the South Antrim Westminster seat, there were five.
In an era of devolution it’s assumed that the UUP will be led from Stormont, so that rules out the former health minister, even if he wanted the job. Presuming that no previous leaders want the job again, there are a mere five candidates to choose from, one of whom is Colin Crawford, who has yet to speak in the assembly having being co-opted to replace Mr Swann last month.
The long list of potential leaders therefore reads like a short list – Robbie Butler, Andy Allen, John Stewart and Alan Chambers.
It’s very possible all four will throw their hats into the ring but Mr Butler, the party’s deputy leader and its recent Westminster candidate in Lagan Valley, will undoubtedly be the frontrunner.
If only one candidate puts their name forward it’ll be an anointment, whereas a second nominee will force a contest, which is expected to completed by September 28, when the UUP holds its party conference.
