Campaign
A range of party sources stated that it was impossible to see North Antrim MLA Jon Burrows not standing for the leadership. Some sources have stated that deputy leader and Lagan Valley MLA Robbie Butler may want to avoid a contest, but other insiders have denied this and said of Butler's plans that there was “nothing to indicate that he won't put his name forward”. [3]
Fermanagh and South Tyrone MLA Diana Armstrong was seen as a likely candidate for deputy leader given that she is the party's only female MLA and around a third of the UUP delegates eligible to vote live in Fermanagh. [3]
On 6 January 2026, amid speculation that Armstrong would run for deputy leader on both candidates' tickets, it was reported that she had endorsed Burrows for leader and will be his running mate. Supporters of Butler have criticised the fact that both Armstrong and Burrows were co-opted into the Northern Ireland Assembly. [4]
Burrows and Armstrong were expected to declare their joint candidacy immediately after nominations opened, having the "overwhelming majority" of party members backing them, according to party sources. [5] They launched their campaign on 8 January 2026. [6] If elected, Burrows will not take up a position in the Northern Ireland Executive, stating "I will not be a minister, because I want to lead [the UUP] and make it the biggest party in Northern Ireland." [7]
On 7 January 2026, senior figures within the UUP told Butler to run for leader. It was reported that Butler has "no fear" of a leadership contest. [8] It was reported on 10 January that Butler was taking the weekend to consider his options. [9]
Procedure
On 2 January 2026, the UUP confirmed a leadership selection process would “shortly” be outlined and “ensuring an inclusive, engaging and seamless transition”. [2] Then, on 3 January 2026, the party began the process of seeking a venue to host an annual general meeting where hundreds of delegates would gather to elect the new leader. A timetable for the contest will be announced early on in the week after Nesbitt's resignation. Members will be notified of the date and venue for the AGM, and nominations for the leadership will then open. The party has been described as "the most democratic party in Northern Ireland" with all members able to vote in a leadership race. [3] The voting will take place on 31 January 2026. [5]
The UUP formally commenced its leadership transition process on 7 January 2026. Nominations will close on 15 January 2026 and Nesbitt will remain as leader until a new leader and deputy leader are elected jointly on 31 January 2026. As part of this process, the party will also host two internal, members-only hustings events to allow prospective candidates to engage directly with the membership. [10]
Key dates [11] | Date | Event |
|---|
| 7–15 January | Nomination period; potential candidates needed to gather 35 signatures from 9 constituency associations before 15 January 2026. |
| 31 January | An Extraordinary General Meeting (EGM) of the Ulster Unionist Council will be held at the Stormont Hotel in Belfast. At this meeting, in accordance with Party Rules, members will elect a new Leader and Deputy Leader jointly. |
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