Sir Reg Empey today confirmed he will step down as Ulster Unionist leader in the autumn after a disappointing Westminster election campaign.
The politician will leave his position before the party’s annual conference, when a review of the party will take place.
Sir Reg spent the last week considering his future after his electoral link-up with the Conservative Party failed to win any Westminster seats.
After a meeting with about 100 members of the party executive, he revealed his intention to resign and took responsibility for any mistakes.
“Following a disappointing election campaign I feel that the party needs to review its position,” said Sir Reg.
“This will be undertaken immediately in the form of a consultation chaired by party deputy chairman Terry Wright.
“I remain confident by the fact that our vote held and indeed increased in most constituencies.”
PA