BREAKING NEWS: Mike Nesbitt has just announced his resignation as leader of the Ulster Unionist Party (UUP), a pivotal move that sets the stage for new leadership ahead of the upcoming elections in May 2027. In a statement delivered earlier today, Nesbitt indicated his intention to retire after the current Assembly term, making way for a new leader to usher the party into the next electoral battle.
The decision comes as Nesbitt, who has served multiple terms as party leader, expressed his commitment to ensuring the UUP is strategically positioned for future success. As the Strangford MLA and health minister, he previously led the party from 2012 to 2017, returning to the role in 2024 after former leader Doug Beattie stepped down amid internal disputes.
Nesbitt emphasized the importance of this transition in his statement, saying, “The next five-year mandate stretches to May 2032, the month I hope to celebrate my 75th birthday. That’s a commitment to full-time politics I just do not feel I can make.” He reassured party members that he had returned to leadership to prepare the UUP for the upcoming campaign, a task he now believes is complete.
The UUP plans to outline the selection process for the new leader shortly, ensuring a transition that is “inclusive, engaging, and seamless,” according to party chairman, Lord Elliott of Ballinamallard. He expressed gratitude for Nesbitt’s “decades of service and unwavering dedication to improving our society,” highlighting the impact of his leadership on Northern Ireland’s political landscape.
As the party gears up for its next chapter, all eyes will be on the UUP’s leadership selection process and how it will shape the political arena leading into the elections. Stay tuned for updates on potential candidates and the future direction of the party.
