The former leader of the UUP has resigned from the party with immediate effect stating that while “politics is never an easy game” sometimes “integrity is more important than just belonging”.
Upper Bann MLA, Doug Beattie made the announcement on social media today (May 31) sharing a letter addressed to party leader, Jon Burrows.
In that letter, he said he believed his position in the party was “no longer tenable” and accused the leadership of becoming “dismissive and overly centralised, empowering individuals to actively undermine elected representatives”.
Describing the atmosphere as “toxic”, Mr Beattie outlined his belief that an an “insidious campaign of rumour and gossip” was being waged against him in regards to “regarding selections, party relationships, financial matters, and employment issues.”
He also addressed concerns he had for the treatment of colleagues, Alan Chambers MLA and Councillor Kate Evans.
Mr Beattie resigned as leader of the Ulster Unionist Party (UUP) citing “irreconcilable differences” with party officers in August 2024. It was a position he held since May 2021.
Despite his immediate exit from the party, Mr Beattie will continue to represent the constituents of Upper Bann as an Independent Unionist MLA.
