The next leader of the Ulster Unionist Party (UUP) is to be elected later this month.
The nomination process opened today after current leader, Mike Nesbitt, announced his intention to step down last week.
Mr Nesbitt said this would allow a new leader to take the UUP into the next elections to the Northern Ireland Assembly, expected to take place in 2027.
He also signalled an intention to retire after the current assembly term.
UUP Deputy Leader Robbie Butler and North Antrim MLA Jon Burrows are believed to be in contention to succeed Mr Nesbitt.
Fermanagh and South Tyrone MLA Diana Armstrong - the party's sole female MLA - has been mooted to be the next deputy leader.
The UUP announced today that it has formally begun its leadership transition process.
In a statement, the party said that Mr Nesbitt will remain in his position until an extraordinary general meeting on Saturday, 31 January, at which members will elect a new leader and deputy leader.
Nominations for both positions are open until 15 January.
Two internal, members-only events will allow prospective candidates to engage directly with the membership.
𝗨𝗹𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗿 𝗨𝗻𝗶𝗼𝗻𝗶𝘀𝘁 𝗣𝗮𝗿𝘁𝘆 𝗕𝗲𝗴𝗶𝗻𝘀 𝗟𝗲𝗮𝗱𝗲𝗿𝘀𝗵𝗶𝗽 𝗧𝗿𝗮𝗻𝘀𝗶𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗣𝗿𝗼𝗰𝗲𝘀𝘀
— Ulster Unionist Party (@uuponline) January 7, 2026
The Ulster Unionist Party has today formally commenced its leadership transition process.
To ensure a smooth and orderly transition, Mike Nesbitt MLA will continue in… pic.twitter.com/5AYMpFNf2h
Ulster Unionist Party Chairman Thomas Elliott described it as a "pivotal moment for our party".
"By implementing a clear and collaborative leadership transition process, we are ensuring that our next chapter is guided by constructive and dynamic dialogue," he said.
Mr Nesbitt, a former broadcast journalist, had previously been party leader between 2012 and 2017 but quit following a difficult Northern Assembly election result.
He is the first person to lead the UUP twice.
The party had a succession of leaders in between his tenures, including current South Antrim MP Robin Swann from 2017 to 2019, South Antrim MLA Steve Aiken from 2019 to 2021 and Upper Bann MLA Doug Beattie from 2021 to 2024.
