Speculation mounts over future of UUP leader Doug Beattie

ireland
Speculation Mounts Over Future Of Uup Leader Doug Beattie
UUP leader Doug Beattie in Belfast, © PA Wire/PA Images
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By David Young, PA

Speculation is mounting over the future of Doug Beattie as leader of the Ulster Unionist Party.

A statement from the party on Mr Beattie is expected to be issued before lunchtime on Monday.

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The development comes amid apparent internal tensions between the leader and other senior party figures.

Northern Ireland Assembly talks
Doug Beattie was elected UUP leader in 2021. Photo: Liam McBurney/PA.

Mr Beattie, a decorated Army veteran, was elected UUP leader in 2021.

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The Upper Bann Assembly member succeeded Steve Aiken when he resigned.

Mr Beattie, who served as a soldier for 34 years and was awarded the Military Cross for bravery in combat, took on the job promising to promote a “progressive and unifying” agenda.

The speculation over his future comes after what was a relatively positive general election result for the UUP, with the party securing a Westminster seat for the first time since 2017.

Former party leader and Stormont health minister Robin Swann defeated the DUP’s Paul Girvan to take the South Antrim seat.

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