Butler backs Beattie in UUP leadership race

Robbie Butler has announced that he will not stand for the leadership of the Ulster Unionist Party in Northern Ireland.

The decision by the Lagan Valley MLA means that Doug Beattie is the only contender in the running to replace outgoing leader Steve Aiken.

In a statement released on Wednesday night Mr Butler said:

"The unexpected news that Steve was standing down as Party Leader caused a ripple effect not only in the Assembly but also within the Ulster Unionist Assembly team. His leadership will be missed, however as an Assembly colleague we will be privileged to continue to have him in the team.

"When I began my political journey my ambition was to do politics in a different way. I hope that people from every background have seen and experienced that, and continue to see the same for as long as I have a role to play.

"My ambition for being involved in politics, and as an Ulster Unionist, is to make my brand of Unionism the most attractive, ambitious and accountable of political identities. I truly believe that Northern Ireland is an exceptional place, one that I will always call home and seek to use my influence to make that the case for all the people of Northern Ireland.

"Whilst I have given thought to the idea of leading the party at some stage, I did not expect to be considering it this week. Events late last week have caused me to focus my thinking and aspirations for the future of Northern Ireland and my role within the UUP. It has been perhaps one of the greatest pleasures of my life to continue my 20-year public service into the political sphere and it is my intention to continue on that path for the foreseeable future; however at this stage, it will not be as the leader of the Ulster Unionist Party.

Mr Butler added:

"I have been overwhelmed by messages from friends, strangers, constituents, business people and many more with encouragement and well wishes. I thank each and every one of you.

"The validation and encouragement to stand as a candidate has been truly inspiring, and isn’t wasted. I am even more convinced and determined that there is more that unites us than divides us, and it is in that same manner that it will be my pleasure to serve under the leadership of Doug Beattie MC MLA if he indeed is elected the new leader of the UUP.

"A top team needs players with different but complementary skills and I am convinced that we have the ability, resource and energy to “cut through” as Northern Ireland charts a way out of the Covid-19 pandemic and looks positively towards its second century.

"Please be assured that my few days considering the leadership of this proud party was serious but personal ambition must always come second to doing what is right for Northern Ireland. Having listened to Doug speak on the media this week and spent some time with him personally, I believe we have a candidate who possesses the skills and attributes that are currently needed and it will be my pleasure to play any supporting role in the UUP Assembly team to make Northern Ireland a place we “ALL” want to live, work and thrive in."

The UUP's executive met on Tuesday evening to discuss the process for the selection of a new party leader and agreed that nominations would close at noon on Monday.

Mr Aiken's resignation, 10 days after DUP leader Arlene Foster was forced to quit following an internal party move against her, has thrown political unionism into further turmoil.

The announcement was prompted by mounting discontent within the party over his stewardship. When he announced his intention to stand for the leadership on Monday, Upper Bann MLA Doug Beattie said he recognises the party and country face real challenges now and in the future.

He added he wants to present "modern, progressive'' pro-union politics.

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