Steve Aiken confirmed as new UUP leader

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Saturday, 9 November 2019 12:13

Q Radio news

Steve Aiken has been confirmed as the new Ulster Unionist Party leader.

The 57-year-old former Royal Navy commander has been the MLA for South Antrim since 2016.

He was the only name put forward when nominations to replace Robin Swann closed last month.

@SteveAikenUUP confirmed as new leader of Ulster Unionist Party takes over from @RobinSwannUUP pic.twitter.com/uBdSkxNDh9
— Q Radio News (@qnewsdesk) November 9, 2019

In his first speech as party leader Mr Aiken criticised the DUP over Boris Johnson's Brexit deal.

He also said the Union needs to be put first and that we should leave the EU or remain as one nation:

Mr Aiken said: "It would be a momentous time to assume the leadership of any political party but now, for unionism, for those that are pro-union, and those that just believe in Northern Ireland, it has never been more important for the Ulster Unionist Party (UUP) to be ready to go out and fight for what is right for our nation."