Steve Aiken confirmed as new UUP leader

Steve Aiken has been confirmed as the new leader of the Ulster Unionist Party.

The 57-year-old former Royal Navy commander was ratified at a party meeting in Co Antrim on Saturday morning.

He was the only candidate to throw his hat in the ring to take over from outgoing leader Robin Swann, who announced in September that he was stepping down to devote more time to his family.

Giving his first speech to the party, Mr Aiken applauded Mr Swann's leadership and said he hopes to be “a worthy successor”.