Lady Sylvia looks to key party meeting
THE uncertain future of the Ulster Unionists' only MP will be discussed during a key meeting later this week.
Following the UUP's special executive meeting on Saturday, Lady Sylvia Hermon told the News Letter she was "repeatedly told" she will not be excused from taking the Conservative Party whip at Westminster.
The North Down MP has consistently voiced her opposition to the UUP's link with the Conservatives, and her party's rebranded Ulster Conservative and Unionist New Force tag for elections.
She has also said she will not take the Tory whip at Westminster.
Speaking to the News Letter last night about discussions during the executive meeting, she said: "I was repeatedly told I will not be given any dispensation from party policy obliging me to take the Tory whip at Westminster.
"It's now left to my North Down Association's AGM on Thursday evening to try to resolve this impasse."
The UUP executive meeting, held at the Hilton in Templepatrick, was called to discuss the current political crisis at Stormont surrounding the devolution of policing and justice.
Questioned before the meeting as to whether Lady Sylvia's future would be discussed, UUP leader Sir Reg Empey said the issue had been overtaken by the crisis at Stormont and was no longer on the agenda.
It had been thought that all UUP candidates for the fast-approaching general election would be announced by mid January.
However, North Down's candidate choice will not be revealed until after the North Down UUP Association's annual general meeting on January 28.
Speculation continues that the wife of the late RUC chief constable Sir Jack Hermon could stand as an independent should she face de-selection by her party.
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Weather for Belfast
Tuesday 29 May 2012
Today
Sunny spells
Temperature: 12 C to 21 C
Wind Speed: 7 mph
Wind direction: South west
Tomorrow
Light showers
Temperature: 12 C to 20 C
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