Doug Beattie quits as UUP leader blaming 'irreconcilable differences' and inability to shape party

Outgoing Ulster Unionist Party leader Doug Beattie was hailed as "tough, fair and reasonable" following news of his resignation on Monday.

Northern Ireland Secretary Hilary Benn said the Mid Ulster MLA always sought to act in the best interests of Northern Ireland. He thanked him for his "commendable leadership".

DUP leader Gavin Robinson said that while he differed from Mr Beattie on tactics, there was “no doubt that Doug is a committed Unionist”.Mr Robinson criticised UUP electoral strategy and said divisions within unionism had handed seats to non-unionists.He added: “Top of my priorities for the new leader will be discussions about how we maximise the pro-Union vote in future elections.”

UUP MLA and Health Minister Mike Nesbitt said the announcement came as a “shock”, adding: “I’ve been very supportive of him during the years, and I’m very sorry to see him step down.”Mr Nesbitt, who is also a former UUP leader, said the party faces a challenge in addressing internal matters.He told RTE radio he had not given the possibility of returning to leadership a “millisecond’s thought”.Sinn Féin’s vice president Michelle O’Neill said the party will take a “constructive approach” with the new leader of the UUP.Ms O’Neill said: “I want to wish Doug Beattie and his family well as he announces today that he will step down as leader of the UUP.“We have worked constructively since he became leader of his party, including during the restoration of the Executive and institutions at the beginning of this year.”The First Minister added: “I will continue this constructive approach with the new leader of the UUP when they take up post.“Sinn Fein will continue to work together with all parties in the Executive and Assembly to ensure we deliver for all.”It is believed there has been internal tensions around the selection of Robin Swann's replacement for North Antrim MLA after he took the South Antrim Westminster seat.

In a statement on Monday announcing his resignation, Mr Beattie said there had been irreconcilable differences with party leaders forcing his decision. He said he was unable to influence the shape of the party going forward.

He said: "Leading the Ulster Unionist Party has been a huge honour. I took over as the leader at the beginning of a three-year election cycle with an overall aim of addressing the party decline, enhancing party influence across these islands and returning the Ulster Unionist Party to Westminster."Following the recent General Election results the party has now returned to the green benches after an absence of seven years. Our share of the vote had increased slightly, and we have also elevated a member to the House of Lords. This is something we have not achieved in thirteen years; a move that demonstrates our increased influence at the highest levels of Government."

He said officials were working to re-establish its Parliamentary Party to help increase its influence and ensure the "Ulster Unionists voice, promoting a positive, optimistic, pro-union vision, is heard"."These are small successes on the back of a difficult electoral results with a lot of work still to do, particularly in border constituencies. Nevertheless, they are successes which requires momentum to capitalise on the opportunities they present.

"It has not been easy and at times it has been both lonely and isolating. I am no stranger to leadership and that is how it often feels in taking a toll both physically and mentally. It also strains friendships and political relationships."It is now clear that some believe the momentum needed to keep the Ulster Unionist Party moving in the right direction cannot come from me.

"Irreconcilable differences between myself and Party Officers combined with the inability to influence and shape the party going forward means that I can no longer remain the Party Leader.

"Therefore, I shall stand down as the Party Leader and allow the party to immediately begin the process to select a new leader who may maintain the confidence of the party and continue the momentum I have started."It is important to acknowledge the loyalty and support from many within the party. This includes the MLA group and many other elected and non-elected members.

"I must also acknowledge that some did not agree with the direction and path I set for the party and the vision I promoted. I hope they can see that in the long term only an inclusive Ulster Unionist Party, promoting a positive message, can secure our future. I hope the new leader is given the freedom to act."

'We worked constructively together': Reaction to party leader resignation

DUP Leader Gavin Robinson spoke Mr Beattie following his resignation to offer his best wishes and said the DUP will work with his successor to "maximise the pro-Union vote".

“As leaders within unionism, we had many shared interests. Whilst we differed over tactics, there is no doubt that Doug is a committed unionist who wants to see Northern Ireland remain firmly within the United Kingdom.

"Doug knows I was disappointed that in constituencies like Fermanagh & South Tyrone it required unilateral action by the DUP to ensure there was a single pro-union candidate.

"Divisions within unionism have handed seats to non-unionists at council level, in the NI Assembly and most recently in the Westminster elections."The election of a new UUP Leader is a matter for UUP members but top of my priorities for the new leader will be discussions about how we maximise the pro-union vote in future elections.”Northern Ireland First Minister Michelle O’Neill said: “I want to wish Doug Beattie and his family well as he announces today that he will step down as leader of the UUP.

“We have worked constructively since he became leader of his party, including during the restoration of the executive and institutions at the beginning of this year.

“I will continue this constructive approach with the new leader of the UUP when they take up post.

“Sinn Féin will continue to work together with all parties in the Executive and Assembly to ensure we deliver for all for our communities and our public services.”

Northern Ireland Secretary of State Hilary Benn said: "I wish to thank Doug Beattie for the commendable leadership he has demonstrated over the past few years.

"It is clear that he has always sought to act in Northern Ireland's best interests and I know he will continue to do so. I look forward to working closely with his successor."

Irish deputy premier Micheal Martin said Mr Beattie led his party through “numerous challenges”.Mr Martin said: “I’ve always appreciated his emphasis on making politics work & the constructive relationship we built.“I know he will continue to lead by example whatever the future holds.“A strong relationship between this government and political leaders in Northern Ireland is vital – I look forward to building the same ties with Doug’s successor.”SDLP leader Colum Eastwood paid tribute to Mr Beattie’s dedication to serving the people of Northern Ireland.He said: “Doug and I have different politics but I’ve always admired his candour and commitment to working together in the interests of the people we represent.“I know this won’t be the end of his political contribution but hope he enjoys some more time to spend with his loving family.”Alliance leader Naomi Long wished Mr Beattie well for the future, and deputy leader Dr Stephen Farry added: “He will no doubt continue to make a significant contribution to politics and public life.”Ireland’s former deputy premier Simon Coveney paid tribute to Mr Beattie.Mr Coveney, who was Irish foreign affairs minister during Brexit negotiations between the UK and the EU, said: “I wish Doug Beattie well. Sorry to see him stepping back from leading the UUP.“I always found Doug to be fair, tough when needed, reasonable and positive.“Of course we didn’t agree on everything, but Doug was someone I trusted and respected as a strong unionist leader.”

Beattie's tenure as UUP leaderMr Beattie took over the party in May 2021 from Steve Aiken, becoming the third leader in four years.

The party has been in decline over recent years, however, the General Election saw a turn in the party fortunes with it returning to Westminster.

Following the restoration of power sharing, it us understood, Mr Beattie argued for his party to enter opposition but could not convince those in the party it was the right move.

In the Stormont Executive the party holds the health ministry and has refused to vote for the budget.

Previously Mr Beattie had served in the military, winning the Military Cross. He was elected to Stormont in 2016.

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