Robbie Butler Will Not Stand For UUP Leadership
UUP MLA Robbie Butler has confirmed he will not stand for the leadership of the party.
Doug Beattie is the only contender in the running to replace current leader Steve Aiken.
In a statement Mr Butler said: "Whilst I have given thought to the idea of leading the party at some stage, I did not expect to be considering it this week.
"Events late last week have caused me to focus my thinking and aspirations for the future of Northern Ireland and my role within the UUP.
"It has been perhaps one of the greatest pleasures of my life to continue my 20-year public service into the political sphere and it is my intention to continue on that path for the foreseeable future; however at this stage, it will not be as the leader of the Ulster Unionist Party.