Kennedy withdraws from UUP Leadership contest
The Ulster Unionist Assembly member for Newry & Armagh, Danny Kennedy MLA, has confirmed that he has decided not to seek the leadership of his party following the recent standing down of current leader Tom Elliott MLA. In a statement Mr Kennedy said, “I have been enormously gratified and humbled at the number of party members, elected representatives and members of the public who were prepared to support and encourage my nomination as leader of the Ulster Unionist Party. I can confirm that I had received substantial and sufficient support to enter the current Leadership race.”
He continued, “However, after careful reflection I have decided that a potentially difficult and divisive leadership election is neither in the interest of the party, or indeed the wider electorate. I therefore confirm that I will not be submitting nomination forms for the post of Leader at this time. I have attempted to serve the Ulster Unionist Party to the best of my ability since I first joined it in 1974, and I sincerely believe that the decision I have reached today is the right one, both for me personally and for my Party. I wish the remaining candidates well as they go forward in this contest, and I trust that it will continue to be conducted in the best traditions of the Ulster Unionist Party.”
Mr Kennedy added, “I look forward to working with the new leader of the party and all of my colleagues, as we seek to restore the political fortunes of our great party both in the Assembly and the country at large.”
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