Elliott to run for UUP leadership
Fermanagh and South Tyrone MLA Tom Elliott confirmed today that he will run for the leadership of the Ulster Unionist Party.
The move by the long-standing UUP member was widely expected following current leader Reg Empey's decision to stand down by the autumn.
The farmer and former part-time soldier is the first candidate to throw his hat into the ring.
Last week UUP deputy leader Danny Kennedy ruled himself out of the contest but Lagan Valley MLA Basil McCrea is anticipated to enter the race.
Empey is standing down after the UUP's disastrous showing in the British general election when the party's ill-fated link-up with the Conservative Party failed to win a single seat.
Mr Elliott was flanked by a number of senior party figures in Parliament Buildings as he announced his bid.
Among those displaying their backing were Mr Kennedy, Health Minister Michael McGimpsey, party whip Fred Cobain, Strangford MLA David McNarry and TV anchor-turned-party activist Mike Nesbitt.
The presence of Mr Nesbitt, who failed to win the Strangford seat in May's election, ended speculation that he may run himself.
Mr Elliott said he believed he was the man to change the party's fortunes.
"I am proud to be an Ulster Unionist and a unionist at heart," he said.
"I know politics has changed in this Province over the last 20 years, and obviously unionism has changed with that, and obviously we as a party need to progress and we need to ensure that we make changes that are appropriate to the people of Northern Ireland.
"I don't want to see the unionist people of Northern Ireland being left behind and I don't want to see Northern Ireland being left behind the rest of the world."
The leadership hopeful also paid tribute to Empey's contribution to the party.
"He's a very honourable man and I want to continue the mantle of progression of unionism in Northern Ireland."
