Steve Aiken says he is aware of his "limitations" as he formally resigns UUP leadership

Monday, 10 May 2021 11:43

Steve Aiken has said he is aware of his "limitations"

By Q Radio News

Outgoing Ulster Unionist leader Steve Aiken has formally resigned as party leader, stating he is “aware of his limitations”.

In a press conference in the Great Hall at Stormont, Mr Aiken was flanked by party chairman Danny Kennedy as well as MLAs Doug Beattie and Robbie Butler, the two men who have been tipped to replace him.

Former submarine commander Mr Aiken said: “I have taken this difficult decision because, more than ever, unionism and those in Northern Ireland who believe in the union need a clear political voice.”

Outgoing Ulster Unionist leader Steve Aiken has formally resigned as party leader, stating he is “aware of his limitations”.https://t.co/VdbKwEhxMg
— Q Radio News (@qnewsdesk) May 10, 2021

He said the UUP had delivered for the people of Northern Ireland but added: “I am, however, self-aware enough to realise that our party, despite our strengths, is not breaking through – I am also very aware of my limitations and despite successes over the past 19 months, I realise that a change in leadership is needed.”

The South Antrim MLA added: “If anyone doubts our credo of ‘Country’ over ‘Party’ look at how we took the Health portfolio when all others avoided it – and I think we are all glad of not just our excellent health professionals, but also for the inspired leadership of Robin Swann.”

But he admitted that his party has not been working as well as it should be and said that was down to him.

Mr Aiken has said he will stay in position until a successor is found.

MLA Robbie Butler refused to be drawn on whether he intended to run for party leader but instead paid tribute to the leadership of Mr Aiken.

Party colleague Doug Beattie said there had been “much speculation” that he would enter the contest to become the new Ulster Unionist leader.

He added: “I will think about whether it would be right for me to stand. I will take soundings if the party want me to be leader, and if they want to be led by me, and I will make a decision.”