Menu
21/09/2006
UUP member defects to Tories
A senior member of the Ulster Unionist party has defected to the Conservatives, it has today emerged.
James Leslie, a former junior minister at the Stormont Assembly, said that local politics had gone “stale” and only the Tories shared his ambitions.
Commenting on his decision, Mr Leslie said: "To get serious policy development you need the resources of a national party.
"You can see that clearly in all the political parties in Northern Ireland, there is no serious or fresh thinking."
He is the third UUP member to leave the party to join the Conservatives since June this year, when Peter Bowles and Philip Smith both made the move.
Mr Leslie, an ex MLA and Northern Ireland Policing Board representative, has insisted that his decision to quit was not related to the UUP`s Assembly link-up with the Progressive Unionists Party, who are closely linked with the Ulster Volunteer Force.
Ulster Unionist Party Leader, Sir Reg Empey said that he accepted Mr Leslie's decision and added that he would like to be able to deal with bigger political matters, however these cannot be concentrated on until the matter of devolution is resolved.
He said: "Unfortunately since the last Assembly elections when he wasn't able to contest the seat I don't think he's been particularly active in the organisation.
"But I take this opportunity to wish him well. And should he change his mind in the future I would be delighted to see him return."
Welcoming Mr Leslie's move, the Conservatives Northern Ireland spokesman David Lidington said that it was an indication that more and more people were recognising that the party was serious about organising in Northern Ireland.
(EF/KMcA)
James Leslie, a former junior minister at the Stormont Assembly, said that local politics had gone “stale” and only the Tories shared his ambitions.
Commenting on his decision, Mr Leslie said: "To get serious policy development you need the resources of a national party.
"You can see that clearly in all the political parties in Northern Ireland, there is no serious or fresh thinking."
He is the third UUP member to leave the party to join the Conservatives since June this year, when Peter Bowles and Philip Smith both made the move.
Mr Leslie, an ex MLA and Northern Ireland Policing Board representative, has insisted that his decision to quit was not related to the UUP`s Assembly link-up with the Progressive Unionists Party, who are closely linked with the Ulster Volunteer Force.
Ulster Unionist Party Leader, Sir Reg Empey said that he accepted Mr Leslie's decision and added that he would like to be able to deal with bigger political matters, however these cannot be concentrated on until the matter of devolution is resolved.
He said: "Unfortunately since the last Assembly elections when he wasn't able to contest the seat I don't think he's been particularly active in the organisation.
"But I take this opportunity to wish him well. And should he change his mind in the future I would be delighted to see him return."
Welcoming Mr Leslie's move, the Conservatives Northern Ireland spokesman David Lidington said that it was an indication that more and more people were recognising that the party was serious about organising in Northern Ireland.
(EF/KMcA)
Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
04 October 2016
James Brokenshire To Address Conservative Party Conference
Northern Ireland Secretary James Brokenshire is to address a Conservative Party conference in Birmingham later on today, 04 October. He is expected to say that Northern Ireland will make a success of Brexit and also talk about the border with the Rupublic of Ireland (RoI).
James Brokenshire To Address Conservative Party Conference
Northern Ireland Secretary James Brokenshire is to address a Conservative Party conference in Birmingham later on today, 04 October. He is expected to say that Northern Ireland will make a success of Brexit and also talk about the border with the Rupublic of Ireland (RoI).
13 March 2013
NI Abortion Amendment Fails
A proposed amendment which would ban abortions in private clinics has failed in the Northern Ireland Assembly. The proposal, which was put forward by the DUP and SDLP, was lost after 40 politicians voted against it. Sinn Fein, Alliance and the Green Party managed to block the move.
NI Abortion Amendment Fails
A proposed amendment which would ban abortions in private clinics has failed in the Northern Ireland Assembly. The proposal, which was put forward by the DUP and SDLP, was lost after 40 politicians voted against it. Sinn Fein, Alliance and the Green Party managed to block the move.
14 December 2022
Internal Conservative Party Politics Cause Of Protocol Delay – DUP
The Prime Minister's decision to pause the NI Protocol Bill's progression is more related to internal Conservative Party politics than the chances of getting a fair, balanced and sustainable agreement in Brussels, DUP North Antrim MP Ian Paisley has said. Mr Paisley said: "The Protocol must be replaced by arrangements that Unionists can support.
Internal Conservative Party Politics Cause Of Protocol Delay – DUP
The Prime Minister's decision to pause the NI Protocol Bill's progression is more related to internal Conservative Party politics than the chances of getting a fair, balanced and sustainable agreement in Brussels, DUP North Antrim MP Ian Paisley has said. Mr Paisley said: "The Protocol must be replaced by arrangements that Unionists can support.
20 November 2024
Man Extradited From Ireland To Face Serious Charges
A 33-year-old man has been extradited from Northern Ireland to the Republic of Ireland to face serious charges. The man is accused of assault causing harm, coercive control, contravention of a safety order, theft, and possession of a weapon. The alleged offences occurred in the Monaghan area between 2020 and 2021.
Man Extradited From Ireland To Face Serious Charges
A 33-year-old man has been extradited from Northern Ireland to the Republic of Ireland to face serious charges. The man is accused of assault causing harm, coercive control, contravention of a safety order, theft, and possession of a weapon. The alleged offences occurred in the Monaghan area between 2020 and 2021.
02 October 2003
Local political parties indifferent to Labour decision
Northern Ireland's main political parties have responded with indifference to the decision by the Labour Party to allow people in Northern Ireland to join its ranks. Nearly 90% of delegates at the Labour Party conference in Bouremouth voted in favour of the rule change.
Local political parties indifferent to Labour decision
Northern Ireland's main political parties have responded with indifference to the decision by the Labour Party to allow people in Northern Ireland to join its ranks. Nearly 90% of delegates at the Labour Party conference in Bouremouth voted in favour of the rule change.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A showery start with outbreaks most frequent north of Lough Neagh and through the morning, before dwindling during the afternoon as the northwest breezes ease and brighter spells of weak sunshine prosper. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:A dry night, save for a few light showers around the coasts, with prolonged clear spells and light winds bringing a frosty dawn for many in central and southern parts. Minimum temperature -3 °C.
