Next Ulster Unionist Party leadership election

An election for the leadership of the Ulster Unionist Party (UUP) could be held by January 2026 after incumbent leader and Minister of Health Mike Nesbitt indicated in July 2025 that he may step down as UUP leader before the next Northern Ireland Assembly election.
Background
Nesbitt was elected leader of the UUP in August 2024 after Doug Beattie stepped down citing "irreconcilable differences" with party officers. Previsouly serving as leader from 2012 to 2017, Nesbitt was the only candidate nominated for the role and remained as health minister, a position he was appointed to by Beattie in May 2024.
In July 2025, speaking to Tim McGarry of the Give My Head Peace podcast, Nesbitt stated “I’ll be 70 . I’ll have done 16 years. That might be enough, but I’ll make a decision in good time” in regards to his political future. He went on to say “eighteen months ago I was on the back benches and, as I put it, cruising towards retirement, not expecting to become the minister of health, not expecting to become again the leader of the Ulster Unionist Party."
It was reported in July 2025 that there was growing internal opposition within the UUP towards Nesbitt's policy of allowing children of any age to access a new gender identity service at Brackenburn transgender clinic, with former party leaders Steve Aiken and Doug Beattie opposing the plans. There was also private frustration within the party that most of Nesbitt's energy was going into his role as health minister, rather than party matters, particularly as the party is struggling to find replacement for Andy Allen as Chief Whip and for the North Antrim Assembly seat.
Date
Nesbitt stated in July 2025 “I will probably make a decision no later than January coming about whether I should run again in 2027.” When asked about the timing of the decision he said he wanted allow his successor “a good run” into the 2027 Assembly election. He said his decision is dependant on the political developments before Christmas.

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