Former minister prepares to enter UUP leadership race
A former Stormont minister was today preparing to enter the race for the leadership of the Ulster Unionist Party.
Reg Empey, who was the North's Economy Minister during devolution, will announce his bid to replace David Trimble as UUP leader at a Belfast press conference.
The East Belfast MLA is believed to have the backing of Assembly colleagues Fred Cobain and Michael Copeland.
Mr Trimble stood down as leader last month after the party lost four House of Commons seats in the British general election, leaving it with just one MP.
Former David Trimble aide and Strangford UUP Assembly member, David McNarry this week launched a bid for the leadership.
Veteran peer Lord Maginnis and North Down Assembly member Alan McFarland are also expected to enter the race, while former deputy leader Lord Kilclooney has expressed interest in taking over only as a temporary leader.
The contest will be held on June 24.
It will be the first leadership battle since the Protestant Orange Order severed its links with the party in March, removing a bloc of about 120 delegates on the Ulster Unionist Council.
Iraq War hero Colonel Tim Collins yesterday turned down a suggestion that he should stand for the leadership from Lord Kilclooney on the grounds that he had no political experience.
