Mr Doug Beattie issued a statement confirming he was standing down after intense speculation over his future amid apparent internal tensions with other senior party figures.The Upper Bann Assembly member, who is a decorated Army veteran, was elected UUP leader in 2021.From the liberal wing of unionism, the Military Cross recipient took on the role pledging a progressive agenda and a move toward the middle ground.His resignation comes after what was a relatively positive general election result f

Mr Doug Beattie issued a statement confirming he was standing down after intense speculation over his future amid apparent internal tensions with other senior party figures.The Upper Bann Assembly member, who is a decorated Army veteran, was elected UUP leader in 2021.From the liberal wing of unionism, the Military Cross recipient took on the role pledging a progressive agenda and a move toward the middle ground.His resignation comes after what was a relatively positive general election result for the UUP, with the party securing a Westminster seat for the first time since 2017.