Ulster Unionist leadership frontrunner pulls out of race

The candidate regarded as the frontrunner to lead the Ulster Unionist party has unexpectedly pulled out of the contest. The Stormont minister Danny Kennedy said he had withdrawn from the battle to succeed Tom Elliott as UUP leader in the interests of party unity. "I can confirm that I had received substantial and sufficient support to enter the current leadership race," Kennedy said on Friday. The Newry and Armagh Ulster Unionist assembly member said: "However, after careful reflection, I have decided that a potentially difficult and divisive leadership election is neither in the interest of the party nor indeed the wider electorate. I therefore confirm that I will not be submitting nomination forms for the post of leader at this time." It leaves the contest with the former television news anchorman and Strangford assembly member, Mike Nesbitt, and the party's deputy leader, John McCallister, remaining in the leadership race. Announcing his intention not to stand, Kennedy also paid tribute to his Elliott and added: "I wish the remaining candidates well as they go forward in this contest, and I trust that it will be conducted in the best traditions of the Ulster Unionist party." The leadership election will be held at a Belfast hotel on 31 March.