Ulster Unionist Group Alleges Aggressive Behaviour by Doug Beattie
The Upper Bann constituency association of the Ulster Unionists has accused Doug Beattie, who resigned from the party on Sunday, of exhibiting "aggressive" behaviour during a recent selection meeting for the forthcoming assembly election.
Beattie, initially elected as a Ulster Unionist Party (UUP) assembly member for Upper Bann in 2016, has accused the party and its leader Jon Burrows of a "vindictive attempt to oust him".
Last month, NI disclosed that Beattie was facing potential deselection by the association in favour of another candidate, Kyle Savage.
On Monday, Beattie launched a strong critique of his former party and expressed that he "regretted" ever persuading Burrows to join the party.
Jon Burrows has not yet issued a public response to the allegations concerning his leadership.
Upper Bann UUP Association Responds to Beattie's Claims
On Monday evening, the Upper Bann UUP association posted on social media to address Beattie's version of events.
They began by expressing gratitude for Beattie's "years of service" to both the party and the constituents of Upper Bann.
"Over a considerable period, many members became increasingly concerned by Doug's lack of engagement with the association and local councillors within Upper Bann."
"Members also repeatedly expressed frustration that internal disagreements between our constituency MLA and the party leadership were being played out publicly."
"At a time when members were overwhelmingly focused on supporting and uniting behind the current party leadership, many felt this approach created division and distraction."
The association further rejected as "inaccurate" the claims that any individual was being deselected based on political ideology. It also characterised Beattie's conduct at a recent meeting discussing the selection process as "aggressive and accusatory and did not lend itself to a constructive way forward."
"This has not been the first time Doug has used this tactic to steer a decision in his favour."
The statement concluded by reaffirming the association's complete support for Jon Burrows and deputy leader Diana Armstrong.
Beattie's Response
When contacted by NI for a response, Beattie conveyed his best wishes to the Upper Bann association for the future.
