Ulster Unionists announce candidates change
The Ulster Unionists tonight announced changes to their team of candidates for the forthcoming Assembly election in Northern Ireland.
With the election set to go ahead on November 26, three changes were announced.
Former Belfast Lord Mayor Bob Stoker has pulled out of the race for his seat in West Belfast and is due to be replaced by Chris McGimpsey.
In Foyle, Willie Lamrock confirmed that he had withdrawn from the election because he had taken up a new job.
In Newry and Armagh Ivor Whitten has decided to pull out of the party ticket where he would have run alongside former assembly member Danny Kennedy.
Willie Lamrock told PA News; “When I applied and got the nomination for Foyle I was unemployed.
“I have since taken up a position of full-time employment and I am not really in the position to contest the election.
“I very much believe Foyle has potential for the Ulster Unionists and someone else can come in to take my place and drive the party forward.”
UUP sources in Londonderry said they expected a candidate to replace Mr Lamrock.
There was speculation that several members in Foyle would put their name forward but former Lagan Valley Assembly member Ivan Davis was also being tipped as a possible candidate.
As yet it was unclear as to whether Ivor Whitten would be replaced in Newry and Armagh.
Sources in Ulster Unionists headquarters said they understood the reasons for the three candidates stepping aside.
A source said that it was up to the individual constituency associations whether the candidates would be replaced.
