2012 Ulster Unionist Party leadership election

The election for the leadership of the Ulster Unionist Party (UUP) was held on 31 March 2012. The UUP holds an election for the office of Leader each year at its Annual General Meeting, which is normally returns the incumbent unopposed. The contested election was triggered after incumbent Leader Tom Elliott, elected in 2010, unexpectedly announced on 8 March 2012 that he would not be seeking re-election. Nominations closed on 16 March 2012.[1]

2012 Ulster Unionist Party leadership election
31 March 2012
 
Candidate Mike Nesbitt John McCallister
Party UUP UUP
Popular vote 536 129
Percentage 80.2% 19.3%
Leader before election

Tom Elliott

 Elected Leader

Mike Nesbitt

Northern Ireland
This article is part of a series on the
politics and government of
Northern Ireland

The most likely candidates were considered to be Strangford MLA Mike Nesbitt and Lagan Valley MLA Basil McCrea (who lost to Elliott in the 2010 leadership election, where he was considered the more liberal alternative to Elliott);[2] Newry and Armagh MLA Danny Kennedy (the party's only minister at Stormont, holding the office of Minister for Regional Development) was also considered to be a likely candidate, and was placed favourite by bookmaker Paddy Power early on.[3] South Down MLA John McCallister (UUP Whip in the Assembly) might also stand, with some considering him best suited to give the party a fresh start.[4]

As the nominations deadline drew closer, McCallister announced he would run for the post, while "sources close to" Kennedy, considered the favourite, said that he would also;[5] McCrea was now considered to be unlikely to stand. McCallister has announced he would withdraw the UUP from the government at Stormont and form the opposition.[6] McCrea announced his support for McCallister; Kennedy was seen as the proponent of cooperation between the UUP and the DUP, while McCallister was seen to stand for a clearer contrast.[7]

Nesbitt announced he would be a candidate later the same week.[8] Kennedy withdrew from the race shortly before nominations closed on 16 March 2012, with speculation being that the decision was sparked by Nesbitt's growing momentum.[9][10] Nesbitt took over as the clear favourite to win the leadership election.[11]

Nesbitt called for a referendum on introducing an Official Opposition into Stormont; McCallister supports a similar idea.[12]

McCallister has stated he would expel David McNarry if elected leader, who had been in a public conflict with the outgoing leader Elliott.[13] Shortly before polling Nesbitt stated that he would be unlikely to offer McNarry the whip following a period of suspension handed down by the disciplinary committee.[14][15]

Results
Candidate Total
Votes %
Mike NesbittY 536
80.2
John McCallister 129
19.3
Spoilt 3
0.4
Total 668 100
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References
  1. Purdy, Martina (2012-03-08). "UUP leader Tom Elliott quitting as party leader". Bbc.co.uk. Retrieved 2012-03-21.
  2. Moriarty, Gerry (2012-03-09). "Surprise as UUP leader Tom Elliott stands down". The Irish Times. Retrieved 2012-03-21.
  3. https://twitter.com/damianwilson2/statuses/180364801418072067
  4. "The Press Association: Members consider UUP leadership bid". 2012-03-09. Retrieved 2012-03-21.
  5. "Danny Kennedy to stand for UUP leadership". BBC News. 2012-03-12.
  6. "McCallister declares UUP leadership bid". Newsletter.co.uk. 2012-03-13. Retrieved 2012-03-21.
  7. "Basil McCrea backs John McCallister for party leader". Bbc.co.uk. 2012-03-13. Retrieved 2012-03-21.
  8. "Nesbitt to contest UUP leadership". U.tv. Retrieved 2012-03-21.
  9. "Two horse Ulster Unionist race". BBC News. 2012-03-16.
  10. "Danny Kennedy will not run for UUP leadership". Newsletter.co.uk. 2012-03-16. Retrieved 2012-03-21.
  11. "Two horse Ulster Unionist race". Bbc.co.uk. 2012-03-16. Retrieved 2012-03-21.
  12. "Peter Robinson says no need for opposition referendum". Bbc.co.uk. 2012-03-19. Retrieved 2012-03-21.
  13. "David McNarry hits out at John McCallister". BBC News. 2012-03-21.
  14. "David McNarry suspended by Ulster Unionist Party". BBC News. 2012-03-29.
  15. http://www.newsletter.co.uk/news/politics/mcnarry-return-as-mla-unlikely-1-3682930
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