The election for the leadership of the Ulster Unionist Party (UUP) was held on 31 March 2012. The UUP holds an election for the office of Leader each year at its Annual General Meeting, which is normally returns the incumbent unopposed. The contested election was triggered after incumbent Leader Tom Elliott, elected in 2010, unexpectedly announced on 8 March 2012 that he would not be seeking re-election. Nominations closed on 16 March 2012.[1]
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The most likely candidates were considered to be Strangford MLA Mike Nesbitt and Lagan Valley MLA Basil McCrea (who lost to Elliott in the 2010 leadership election, where he was considered the more liberal alternative to Elliott);[2] Newry and Armagh MLA Danny Kennedy (the party's only minister at Stormont, holding the office of Minister for Regional Development) was also considered to be a likely candidate, and was placed favourite by bookmaker Paddy Power early on.[3] It was speculated that South Down MLA John McCallister (UUP Whip in the Assembly) might also stand, with some considering him best suited to give the party a fresh start.[4]
As the nominations deadline drew closer, McCallister announced he would run for the post, while "sources close to" Kennedy, considered the favourite, said that he would also;[5] McCrea was now considered to be unlikely to stand. McCallister has announced he would withdraw the UUP from the government at Stormont and form the opposition.[6] McCrea announced his support for McCallister; Kennedy was seen as the proponent of cooperation between the UUP and the DUP, while McCallister was seen to stand for a clearer contrast.[7]
Nesbitt announced he would be a candidate later the same week.[8] Kennedy withdrew from the race shortly before nominations closed on 16 March 2012, with speculation being that the decision was sparked by Nesbitt's growing momentum.[9][10] Nesbitt took over as the clear favourite to win the leadership election.[11]
Nesbitt called for a referendum on introducing an Official Opposition into Stormont; McCallister supports a similar idea.[12]
McCallister has stated he would expel David McNarry if elected leader, who had been in a public conflict with the outgoing leader Elliott.[13] Shortly before polling Nesbitt stated that he would be unlikely to offer McNarry the whip following a period of suspension handed down by the disciplinary committee.[14][15]
Results
edit| Candidate | Total | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Votes | % | ||
Mike Nesbitt
|
536 | 80.2 | |
| John McCallister | 129 | 19.3 | |
| Spoilt | 3 | 0.4 | |
| Total | 668 | 100 | |
References
edit- ^ Purdy, Martina (8 March 2012). "UUP leader Tom Elliott quitting as party leader". Bbc.co.uk. Archived from the original on 8 March 2017. Retrieved 20 June 2018.
- ^ Moriarty, Gerry (9 March 2012). "Surprise as UUP leader Tom Elliott stands down". The Irish Times. Archived from the original on 16 October 2012. Retrieved 16 April 2020.
- ^ McBride, Sam [@SJAMcBride] (15 March 2012). "Paddy Power make Danny Kennedy the 1/2 favourtie for UUP leader. Mind you, these people made Naomi Long 100/1 in East Belfast in 2010..." (Tweet). Retrieved 7 January 2021 – via Twitter.
- ^ "The Press Association: Members consider UUP leadership bid". 9 March 2012. Retrieved 21 March 2012.[dead link]
- ^ "Danny Kennedy to stand for UUP leadership". BBC News. 12 March 2012. Archived from the original on 11 April 2021. Retrieved 20 June 2018.
- ^ "McCallister declares UUP leadership bid". Newsletter.co.uk. 13 March 2012. Archived from the original on 17 March 2012. Retrieved 21 March 2012.
- ^ "Basil McCrea backs John McCallister for party leader". Bbc.co.uk. 13 March 2012. Archived from the original on 16 April 2021. Retrieved 20 June 2018.
- ^ "Nesbitt to contest UUP leadership". U.tv. Archived from the original on 20 March 2012. Retrieved 21 March 2012.
- ^ "Two horse Ulster Unionist race". BBC News. 16 March 2012. Archived from the original on 24 October 2015. Retrieved 20 June 2018.
- ^ "Danny Kennedy will not run for UUP leadership". Newsletter.co.uk. 16 March 2012. Archived from the original on 6 September 2012. Retrieved 21 March 2012.
- ^ "Two horse Ulster Unionist race". Bbc.co.uk. 16 March 2012. Archived from the original on 24 October 2015. Retrieved 20 June 2018.
- ^ "Peter Robinson says no need for opposition referendum". Bbc.co.uk. 19 March 2012. Archived from the original on 11 April 2021. Retrieved 20 June 2018.
- ^ "David McNarry hits out at John McCallister". BBC News. 21 March 2012. Archived from the original on 11 April 2021. Retrieved 20 June 2018.
- ^ "David McNarry suspended by Ulster Unionist Party". BBC News. 29 March 2012. Archived from the original on 13 December 2016. Retrieved 20 June 2018.
- ^ "McNarry return as MLA 'unlikely'". The News Letter. Belfast. 30 March 2012. Archived from the original on 27 April 2012. Retrieved 3 June 2021.