Robbie ​Butler says Mike Nesbitt is the right man for the role ‘at this time’

​The Lagan Valley MLA, and current deputy leader, had been expected to make a bid for the leadership himself – but says his colleague is best placed to lead the party “at this time”.

On Tuesday afternoon, he rowed in behind Mr Nesbitt for a second stint in the post.

“The future of the Ulster Unionist Party, and indeed wider political Unionism in Northern Ireland, must always be foremost when considering change and the role that we all will play.

“A revised and refreshed leadership team of the UUP, led by Mike Nesbitt, is an exciting opportunity to not only embed the vision of a modern, ambitious and vibrant strand of Unionism for the people of Northern Ireland but also to strategically modernise Party structures with and for our membership.

“Working together we can revitalise both Party and Politics, but of greater importance is to ensure that pro-Union, persuadable and the silent non-voters have a home that reflects and embodies their vision for a prosperous future for all”, he said.

In an interview with Cool FM’s James Gould on Tuesday afternoon, Mr Butler elaborated on his decision. He said “Mike has served in a leadership role, in fact Mike was the leader that I joined the party under. He was the leader when I became an MLA – he has certainly got the experience and he still has that vision for unionism and for Northern Ireland – and has also got the energy.

“So at this crucial juncture, not just for the Ulster Unionist Party, but for politics in Northern Ireland – I think we need that experience. I’m certainly on board with the discussions I’ve had with Mike in that regard”.

Asked why he didn’t want the position he said “I am certainly ambitious for the Ulster Unionist Party. I will play my role as I think I have done – and in the future – who knows what that might bring. But we have to have those conversations and we have had those conversations over the past number of weeks in regard to what is the best thing to do. Not for Robbie Butler, but for the UUP and for politics here in NI – and I think at this time, Mike Nesbitt is the individual we need to lead us”.