SIR REG EMPEY has formally written to the Ulster Unionist chairman to confirm he is resigning from the party leadership. He will officially stand down on Wednesday, September 22nd, when a new leader will be elected at a special meeting of the Ulster Unionist Council at Belfast’s Waterfront Hall.
Nominations are now open and will close on Tuesday, August 31st. So far just Fermanagh Assembly member Tom Elliott has confirmed he will seek election.
Lagan Valley colleague Basil McCrea will also shortly put forward his name, making the election at least a two-horse race between Mr McCrea, who styles himself as a reformer, and Mr Elliott, seen by some as holding to a more traditional position.
Party chairman David Campbell confirmed receipt yesterday of Sir Reg’s letter. “I wish to place on record my personal thanks, and that of the entire party, for the leadership of our party and our community that Sir Reg has undertaken over many years,” he said.
“As the party’s chief negotiator during the all-party talks he negotiated the settlement that has led to the peace and stable devolved government that is enjoyed today.
“As a Minister at the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Investment and the Department of Employment and Learning he has been forward in protecting and promoting our economy both at home and abroad, and has always been a constructive partner in the Northern Ireland Executive.”
Mr Campbell said of Sir Reg’s term as the 13th leader of the UUP. “His period of leadership of our party has produced the reform and modernisation of our structures which eluded his predecessors, and he has restored financial stability to our organisation and undoubtedly moved the UUP and Northern Ireland closer to mainstream British political life.”