A former adviser to David Trimble and leading figure in the Orange Order, David McNarry, has announced his intention to stand for the leadership of the Ulster Unionist party.
Mr McNarry did not contest last month's Westminster elections, but narrowly lost out in a battle for the Strangford seat against Iris Robinson in the 2001 election.
Sir Reg Empey is expected to announce his candidature on Thursday.
The party's executive council is to hold a special meeting to elect a new leader on 23 June, after Mr Trimble resigned last month following a heavy defeat for the Ulster Unionists in the Westminster and local elections.
