UUP HQ poised to pick successor for Stormont's oldest MLA - if 'elderly' local branch can't convene meeting
Stormont’s oldest MLA could be forced to stand down at the next election, amid reports that Alan Chambers has been told not to seek the Ulster Unionist nomination again – with party HQ potentially selecting the next candidate.
The North Down MLA, 78, is understood to be determined to stay on in the Assembly, even if that means running as an independent.
However, the decision about whether Mr Chambers is the party’s candidate may not be taken by local members.
A party source told the News Letter that no date has yet been set for a selection meeting, as the North Down branch may struggle to get enough of its members together to take the next steps.
The problem, according to the party figure, is that although the association has healthy membership numbers, many are elderly and not keen to take part in physical meetings.
There are also a significant proportion of “silent” members, who pay their dues but do not take part in events.
In the event that the North Down association cannot run the process, party headquarters will be able to step in an select the next candidate.
That does not bode well for Mr Chambers, given the determination of the party top brass to see him retire and allow new talent to emerge.
The Ulster Unionist Party declined to be drawn on the matter, but has said that “all candidate selection activity within the Ulster Unionist Party is governed by its rules and standing orders”.
Mr Chambers has not responded to a request for comment from the News Letter.
Alan Chambers currently sits as the Ulster Unionist representative on the Policing Board, as well as being the party’s health spokesperson.
Last year Mr Chambers rowed back from comments interpreted as critical of the policies of health minister, and then-party leader, Mike Nesbitt.
The North Down MLA said he was “fully supportive” of a campaign against a trial of puberty blocker drugs on children – a policy which was at that stage endorsed by his party’s minister. He then said while he is “uncomfortable with elements of the clinical trial” the UUP “fully supported” it. Mike Nesbitt later paused the trial in a UK-first.
Mr Chambers has recently campaigned on the issue of drivers being dazzled by bright LED lights on newer cars, warning of a “dangerous situation” which could be a contributing factor in serious collisions.