UUP's Doug Beattie won't stand for leadership contest

Q Newsdesk

The UUP's Doug Beattie has ruled himself out of becoming the next party leader.

Robin Swann is due to step down from the position in November.

Mr. Beattie says a leadership contest would be a distraction in the current political environment of Brexit and a possible general election.

He's endorsed Steve Aiken to become the next party leader instead.

In a statement Mr.Beattie said:

"I believe we are in a time of real political and social change and Northern Ireland, as part of the United Kingdom, must change to meet the challenges of the future. The Ulster Unionist Party must remain vigilant in the face of BREXIT as well as a possible General Election and I believe a leadership contest would be a distraction in this compressed political environment. "

"Therefore I do not intend to stand for the leadership of the Ulster Unionist Party but to endorse Steve Aiken OBE MLA for the party leadership. He will, if duly elected, have the authority to bring the party onto a more progressive path both internally and externally and he will have my 100% support and loyalty."

"I have been humbled by the support I have received over the last number of weeks asking me to stand for the leadership. However for me it is time to focus on our country and how unionism should be promoting inclusive politics. That means less about the flag, more about our shared future and the promotion, not just the defence, of the union."