In a statement, the UUP leader cited 'irreconcilable differences' between himself and Party Officers
The Ulster Unionist Party leader Doug Beattie has resigned citing "irreconcilable differences" with party officers and an "inability to influence and shape the party" as reasons for stepping down.In a lengthy statement issued this morning, Mr Beattie acknowledged the loyalty and support from many within the party and said that he hoped "the new leader is given the freedom to act.
"Following the recent General Election results the party has now returned to the green benches after an absence of seven years. Our share of the vote had increased slightly, and we have also elevated a member to the House of Lords. This is something we have not achieved in thirteen years; a move that demonstrates our increased influence at the highest levels of Government.
Doug Beattie described these as "small successes" on the back of a difficult electoral results and said that there is a lot of work still to do, particularly in border constituencies. "It is now clear that some believe the momentum needed to keep the Ulster Unionist Party moving in the right direction cannot come from me. Irreconcilable differences between myself and Party Officers combined with the inability to influence and shape the party going forward means that I can no longer remain the Party Leader.
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