Doug Beattie says UUP leadership race still open as he floats third potential candidate

The former leader wouldn’t be drawn on who he would back in any contest, but praised the abilities of the two main frontrunners for the post – and floated the idea that Fermanagh MLA Mrs Armstrong could also put her hat in the ring.

Speaking to the BBC’s Nolan Show, Mr Beattie said that despite speculation about Jon Burrows and Robbie Butler running for the post, “it’s open to everybody”.

Asked by presenter Eve Rosato about speculation that Diana Armstrong could be crucial in deciding who wins, he said she has the ability to put herself forward for leader.

“She will look at that, and she will assess that, and I think she's right to be able to do that. I think Diana is an exceptional MLA and a real asset to our team.

“As is Robbie Butler, who I've known since 2016. We both became MLAs together, and for those people who don't know, Robbie is probably one of the most hard working MLAs, not just in the party, but in that assembly that I've ever seen.

“A really diligent, gentle, but yet forceful individual. And Jon Burrows, it was me that brought Jon Burrows into the party. It was me that persuaded Jon Burrows to stand for the North Antrim seat…

“And I've known Jon since he was a policeman… another really good, good person.

“So we can speculate where we're going, but right at this moment in time, nobody's name has been put forward, and there could be any number of names”, the Upper Bann MLA said.

Mike Nesbitt stood down as leader last week, after months of speculation prompted by comments he made during a podcast interview last year, in which he said that he would make a decision on whether to run again in early 2026.

In a statement issued on Friday afternoon, announcing Mr Nesbitt’s decision to step down, the Ulster Unionist Party said it “marks a pivotal moment as the party builds on strong foundations and accelerates towards a bold, forward-looking vision for the 2027 elections”.