Robbie Butler appointed new deputy leader of the UUP

By Q Radio news

Robbie Butler has been appointed the new deputy leader of the Ulster Unionist Party. 

The change was made by the new party leader Doug Beattie. 

Mr Butler will also continue in his role as the UUP's Chief Whip - but he'll be supported by Andy Allen who has been selected as his deputy.

Party leader Doug Beattie MC MLA announces changes to senior positions within the UUP Northern Ireland assembly group.

Robbie Butler MLA will remain as Chief Whip and assume the role of Deputy Leader, while Andy Allen MLA take the role of Deputy Chief Whip.#UlsterUnionist pic.twitter.com/hPvmA2h5MS

— Ulster Unionist (@uuponline) May 24, 2021

Leader Doug Beattie said:

"I have said that fixing Northern Ireland is a priority for me and to do that I need the right people in the right place. 

“To that end I have asked Robbie Butler to become my Deputy Leader.  

Robbie is someone who has tremendous energy and positivity and works for the good of Northern Ireland.  I want to harness that. 

“Robbie has been serving the Party as Chief Whip and he will continue in that vital role.  

To assist Robbie in the Chief Whip’s Office I have asked Andy Allen to become Deputy Chief Whip.

 Andy is someone who knows what it is to serve his country.  He is forward thinking, and someone I trust.

“Both of these men are my friends as well as my colleagues.

 I know that they will work for the good of everyone in Northern Ireland and to create a Union of people as our vision for the future.”

There had been speculation earlier this month that former firefighter Mr Butler would run for the leadership following the resignation of Steve Aiken.

Instead, he announced that he would not seek the position, leaving the way clear for Mr Beattie to take up the role.

The ex-soldier, whose appointment will be ratified by the party’s council at a meeting on May 27, has said he wants to set a progressive and unifying agenda.

In one of his first acts as leader, he has appointed Mr Butler as deputy leader.

(MLA Robbie Butler)