LAST UPDATE | 19 Aug 2024

LEADER OF THE Ulster Unionist Party Doug Beattie has this morning announced that he is standing down. 

In a statement published by the UUP, Beattie cited “irreconcilable differences” between himself and party officers.

He said this combined with “the inability to influence and shape the party going forward” means that he can no longer remain the party leader. 

“It is now clear that some believe the momentum needed to keep the Ulster Unionist Party moving in the right direction cannot come from me,” he said.

Beattie added that being leader of the party has been a “huge honour” but that it has also been “lonely and isolating”.

“I am no stranger to leadership and that is how it often feels in taking a toll both physically and mentally. It also strains friendships and political relationships,” Beattie said in the statement.

The party will now immediately begin a process of selecting a new leader. 

Earlier today, BBC News Northern Ireland reported that it understood there have been internal tensions over Beattie’s position in recent weeks.

According to the BBC, the tensions relate to the selection of Colin Crawford as the party’s new North Antrim MLA following last month’s UK elections. 

Crawford was chosen to replace Robin Swann who was elected as an MP for South Antrim.

Beattie has been leader of the UUP since May 2021, with the party having three leaders since Mike Nesbitt resigned in the aftermath of the 2017 Northern Ireland assembly election following a poor result for the party.

Swan’s election to Westminster last month was the first seat regained by the party after a number of difficult electoral performances. 

Initially, the UUP experienced a “Beattie bounce” following his election as leader, with the party overtaking the DUP in opinion polls, however this was short-lived with the party subsequently performing poorly in local and assembly polls.

In his statement this morning, Beattie noted that Swann’s election in July was the first time a UUP MP has been returned to Westminister in seven years. 

He added that the party increased its vote share slighty and had a member elevated to the House of Lords for the first time in thirteen years. 

The party will now re-establish its parliamentary party to help increase its “influence and ensure the Ulster Unionists voice, promoting a positive, optimistic, pro-union vision, is heard”, Beattie added.

He concluded his statement by saying: “It is important to acknowledge the loyalty and support from many within the party. This includes the MLA group and many other elected and non-elected members.

“I must also acknowledge that some did not agree with the direction and path I set for the party and the vision I promoted. I hope they can see that in the long term only an inclusive Ulster Unionist Party, promoting a positive message, can secure our future. I hope the new leader is given the freedom to act.”

‘Shock’ decision

Speaking on RTÉ Radio 1 this afternoon, former UUP leader Mike Nesbitt said Beattie’s decision came as a shock. 

Nesbitt, who is currently Minister for Health in Northern Ireland, said he was saddened to see Beattie go, describing him as an impressive elected representative. 

Nesbitt ruled out a bid for UUP leadership. 

He refused to provide further insight into Beattie’s decision to step down. 

“I’m not prepared to start speculating on the why’s and why nots. That’s something that will have to be addressed internally. We have a challenge,” Nesbitt said.

Political leaders have this afternoon paid tribute to Beattie, with many praising his commitment to the best interests of the people in Northern Ireland. 

First Minister and vice president of Sinn Féin Michelle O’Neill said she had worked constructively with Beattie since he became leader of the UUP, including during the restoration of the Executive and institutions at the beginning of this year.

She added: “I will continue this constructive approach with the new leader of the UUP when they take up post.”

DUP leader Gavin Robinson said that while he differed from Mr Beattie on tactics, there was “no doubt that Doug is a committed Unionist”.

Mr Robinson criticised UUP electoral strategy and said divisions within unionism had handed seats to non-unionists.

Meanwhile, Taoiseach Simon Harris said Beattie “has been a responsible and constructive leader in Northern Ireland during times of great challenge in recent years”. 

Tánaiste and Irish Minister for Foreign Affairs Micheál Martin said he always appreciated Beattie’s “emphasis on making politics work”.

He said he looks forward to building the same ties with Beattie’s successor.

I wish Doug Beattie well. Sorry to see him stepping back from leading the UUP. I always found Doug to be fair, tough when needed, reasonable and positive.
Of course we didn’t agree on everything, but Doug was someone I trusted and respected as a strong unionist leader.

— Simon Coveney (@simoncoveney) August 19, 2024

Responding to Beattie’s resignation, former Minister for Foreign Affairs Simon Coveney wished him well on X, formerly Twitter.

“I always found Doug to be fair, tough when needed, reasonable and positive. Of course we didn’t agree on everything, but Doug was someone I trusted and respected as a strong unionist leader,” Coveney wrote.

Elsewhere, President Michael D Higgins said he “appreciated” all of his contact with Beattie, which he described as “warm and positive on our shared path to peace and reconciliation, North and South”. 

He also acknowledged Beattie’s “open and courageous recognition of the challenges experienced, which I am sure has helped many others in and beyond his community”.