UUP man rejects idea that MLAs have to pay the party dues - and says payments from salaries are voluntary
An Ulster Unionist MLA says there is nothing in the party’s rules which requires elected representatives to pay a regular sum from their wages into its coffers.
Alan Chambers told the News Letter that according to party rules, only those who hold positions – such as ministers or committee chairs at Stormont – are required to pay a percentage of their income to the party.
The North Down MLA, whose future is uncertain amid rumours he was told not to run at the next election, says he pays a sum to the UUP every month and has no arrears.
A party insider told the News Letter that an “agreement” is in place between the party and its elected representatives which requires them to make payments to the party from their salaries.
The News Letter asked all UUP MLAs whether they had paid all dues on time over the past year, and whether they had any arrears. This was in response to a clarification by Doug Beattie that he had paid his, despite rumours to the contrary.
The former leader quit the party at the weekend citing a “toxic” atmosphere under Jon Burrows. The UUP said it did not recognise his characterisation of events, and that it had launched a probe into his “conduct and judgement”.
Mr Chambers said: “As far as I understand, the only payment an elected representative of the UUP is required by party rules to make is 10% of any additional remuneration received in relation to any post the member has taken as a result of party membership.
“I hold no such appointed posts. An annual membership fee is payable as per party rules. I have always met that obligation. Any other payments are not specified in the rules, and I assume they are voluntary.
“I could stand corrected on that point. There is an amount that I pay every month, that is a figure previously advised to me.
“I meet that requirement fully and have accrued no arrears in the period you have referenced. I have no recollection of ever having been in arrears of this voluntary gift to the party.
“It would be no business of myself what the position of colleagues is in regard to either contracted obligations or, indeed, voluntary payments to the party”.