The anti-agreement MP, the Rev Martin Smyth, has secured the position of president of the Ulster Unionists, narrowly defeating Lord Rogan, the outgoing party chairman and firm ally of Mr David Trimble.
Mr Smyth, who was defeated in a direct challenge to Mr Trimble's leadership of the UUP last year, won by 364 votes to Lord Rogan's 353, during a meeting of the 860-strong ruling council on Saturday. He replaces Sir Josias Cunningham, who died in a road accident last August.
Mr Michael McGimpsey, the North's Minister for Culture, said the contest between the two men could not be reduced to a tussle between the pro-agreement and anti-agreement factions of the party.
"The role of the president is to be neutral in these matters and to act as the impartial judge. Martin is a long-experienced member of the party, and I have absolutely no doubt he will fulfil that role," he said.
In elections for other party officers, Mr Jeffrey Donaldson, the anti-agreement MP, topped the poll for four vice-president positions with 472 votes; Sir Reg Empey, the Minister for Enterprise secured 422; Mr Jim Nicholson MEP received 353; and Lord Maginnis 360.
Mr William Thompson and Mr William Ross, anti-agreement delegates who failed to retain their Westminster seats in the recent election, failed in their bids to become vice-presidents.
Lord Rogan was later elected a party honorary secretary along with Mr Dermot Nesbitt, and two anti-agreement delegates, Ms Arlene Foster and Mr Jim Rogers. Mr Jack Allen was returned as UUP treasurer following a contest.
Later, at a meeting of the UUP executive, Mr James Cooper, the unsuccessful UUP Westminster candidate in Fermanagh-South Tyrone, who is legally contesting the Sinn Fein victory in the constituency, was elected unopposed as party chairman. Mr Don McConnell was elected vice-chairman and Ms May Steele party assistant treasurer.