Doug Beattie has sent a fresh shockwave through Northern Ireland politics by resigning as leader of the Ulster Unionist Party (UUP) after clashing with his own party colleagues.
In his sudden announcement on Monday, the decorated veteran cited his inability to lead the party amid “irreconcilable differences” with senior party leaders.
“It hasn’t been easy and there have been times when I’ve felt lonely and isolated,” said Beatty, 58. “Leadership is something I’m familiar with, but it often feels that way because it’s physically and mentally taxing. It also puts a strain on friendships and political relationships.”
“It is clear that some believe that I cannot generate the momentum needed to move the Ulster Unionist Party in the right direction. There are irreconcilable differences between me and the party leadership and I can no longer remain leader as I am unable to influence and shape the party.”
Mr Beattie, who became party leader in 2021, said that although he had the support of Stormont UUP councillors, elected and unelected councillors, some opposed his vision. “I hope that in the long term they will realise that only an inclusive Ulster Unionist Party that promotes a positive message can secure our future and I hope that the new leader will be given freedom of action.”
Factions within the party resisted Beatty’s more liberal stance on social issues, and he also struggled to recruit more women and newcomers to key positions.
The announcement highlighted divisions within and between unionist parties which have seen Sinn Fein emerge as the largest party and put Northern Ireland’s place in the UK under scrutiny.
Sir Geoffrey Donaldson resigned as leader of the Democratic Unionist Party (DUP) in April amid historic sexual offences allegations. Under his successor, Gavin Robinson, the party lost three of its eight Westminster seats in July’s general election.
The UUP was the region’s leading unionist party until it was overtaken by the DUP in 2003. Successive leaders have struggled to reverse the UUP’s electoral decline.
Beatty, a decorated Army captain in Afghanistan, initially appeared to buck those trends by promising a liberal, tolerant unionism that led to “Beatty” votes in opinion polls.
But the party failed to capitalise on the DUP’s disarray in parliamentary and local elections, and while Beattie was hailed as the architect of the party’s Westminster win – Robin Swann won South Antrim, giving it its first MP since 2017 – critics said it wasn’t enough and that the party was adrift.
Mr Beattie’s statement acknowledged that gaining MPs and elevated Lords seats was not enough: “These are small successes in the light of a tough election result and there is still much work to be done, particularly in border constituencies.”
Northern Ireland Secretary of State Hilary Benn thanked Mr Beattie for his leadership: “It is clear that he has always sought to act in the interests of Northern Ireland and I am confident that he will continue to do so in the future.”
Former Irish Foreign Secretary Simon Coveney also paid tribute: “I found Doug to be a rational and positive man who was always fair, tough when necessary.”
It is not immediately clear whether UUP deputy leader and Lagan Valley MP Robbie Butler will stand for the leadership.
