Ulster Unionists divided over leadership contest

UNITED Ulster Unionists are set to choose a new leader at the end of the month after the shock resignation of Tom Elliott.

They are due to meet for their annual meeting on 31 March to vote on who should try to save a struggling party which was once the dominant force in Northern Ireland politics, but is now without an MP at Westminster.

Mr Elliott’s leadership was under mounting pressure, but his decision to stand down had not been expected. Announcing his decision on Thursday night, he claimed there had been internal opposition since his election in August 2010.

He said: “I am aware some people have not given me a fair opportunity at developing and progressing many initiatives.

“Some of this obstruction and hostility began immediately following my election as leader and has been relentless since then. However I accept that is part and parcel of politics.”

The party polled badly in the Northern Ireland Assembly elections last May following a disastrous general election campaign after agreeing an electoral arrangement with the Conservatives.

Basil McCrea and Danny Kennedy, a minister in the Stormont Executive, are likely to face pressure to put their names forward for a leadership contest, but some sources believe John McCallister from South Down, who is also an MLA, may feature too.