UUP councillor tight-lipped on preferred leadership candidate

Two candidates have now entered the fray to replace outgoing Ulster Unionist Party leader, Sir Reg Empey. Fermanagh and South Tyrone MLA Tom Elliot had already signalled his intention to stand for the post, with Lagan Valley MLA, Basil McCrea throwing his hat into the ring on Monday past.

However, whilst Alderman Hamilton indicated to the Londonderry Sentinel that she may already have a preference for a new UUP leader, she said that in the interests of fairness to all candidates she would not publicly endorse anyone in advance of the decisive meeting.

“Both candidates have youth on their side and the ability to move the party on, so it would not be fair to commit myself at this point,” she said.

Sir Reg Empey said he would resign his seat following a disappointing general election for the UUP when the party failed to win a single seat.

UUP party members will meet on September 22 to select their new leader. The new leader will be the 14th in the 105 year history of the ulster Unionist Party.