Mike Nesbitt to step down as Ulster Unionist Party Leader ahead of 2027 elections

Mike Nesbitt speaking at the UUP annual conference in 2025

The Ulster Unionist Party (UUP) has confirmed that Mike Nesbitt MLA will step down as Party Leader, triggering a leadership transition as the party looks towards the 2027 Assembly elections.

The announcement marks a significant moment for the UUP, which says it is seeking to build on what it describes as strong organisational and political foundations while accelerating towards a “bold, forward-looking vision” for the next electoral cycle.

Since returning to frontline politics in 2024, Mr Nesbitt has led the party while also serving as Minister of Health, a role in which he has been credited by the party with reinforcing its reputation for responsible and effective governance.

During this period, he also oversaw a programme of internal reform, including restoring financial stability, modernising party rules and strengthening both policy development and communications capacity.

The party said these changes have left it “resilient, and ready for the future”.

Mr Nesbitt’s decision not to seek a fifth term as leader was framed as a matter of personal honesty and long-term planning. Explaining his decision, he said:

“The next five-year mandate stretches to May 2032, the month I hope to celebrate my 75th birthday. That’s a commitment to fulltime politics I just do not feel I can make. And I would not be comfortably seeking a vote knowing that privately I was intending to retire during the mandate.”

He added that his return to the leadership had always been intended as a time-limited intervention to prepare the party for the challenges ahead:

“I retook the leadership to do a short-term job of getting the Party match fit for the forthcoming election campaign. That job is now done so the time is right to select the politician who will lead us into the May 2027 polls promoting our brand of confident, responsible unionism.”

Mr Nesbitt previously led the Ulster Unionists during a period of notable electoral success, including strong performances in the 2014 local and European elections, the election of two MPs in 2015, and increased representation at Stormont following the 2016 Assembly election.

Party officers are expected to outline the leadership selection process in the coming weeks, with the UUP saying it is committed to an inclusive and seamless transition.

Party Chair Lord Elliott of Ballinamallard paid tribute to Mr Nesbitt’s contribution, saying:

“We are deeply grateful to Mike for his decades of service and unwavering dedication to improving our society. As we enter 2026, we look forward to building on the strong platform he has created. Our next Leader will champion forward-looking Unionism – safeguarding Northern Ireland’s place in the UK while promoting prosperity, reconciliation, and a shared future for all.”

The leadership change comes at a time of renewed political focus on health reform, governance and stability at Stormont, with the UUP positioning itself as a party seeking to balance constitutional certainty with social and economic progress.