15/03/2012

Mike Nesbitt Contests UUP Leadership

Strangford MLA Mike Nesbitt is the latest polictican to launch his bid to become the next leader of the Ulster Unionist Party (UUP).

He will join the party's Deputy Leader John McCallister in the contest for the party's top spot. It is also expected that the party's only minister Danny Kennedy will announced his interest shortly.

Speaking today about his bid for UUP leadership Mr Nesbitt said that he has the backing of four MLAs, two peers and other party activists.

He said: "The contest was about choosing someone who had the skills that will be required to bring about a step-change in Ulster Unionist fortunes."

The UUP's current leader and Fermanagh and South Tyrone MLA, Tom Elliott, announced last week that he would be standing down as leader at this month's AGM.

Following this Mr McCallister confirmed his intentions of standing to replace him as leader of the party while Basil McCrea, who lost the leadership contest in 2010 to Mr Elliott, said that he will not be standing and will support Mr McCallister.

Candidates have until Friday to hand in their nomination papers, with the leadership election due on 31 March.

(LB/GK)

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