Doug Beattie quits UUP citing 'toxic atmosphere'

Former Ulster Unionist Party (UUP) leader Doug Beattie has resigned from the party, citing a "toxic atmosphere" and an "insidious campaign of rumour and gossip" waged against him under the current leadership.

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an insidious campaign of rumour and gossip was being waged

Beattie, who intends to remain as an independent unionist MLA for Upper Bann, stated in a scathing letter to party leader Jon Burrows that his position within the party had become untenable. He detailed a marked deterioration in relationships within the party over the past two years, accelerating after Burrows' election as leader.

He accused Burrows' leadership style of being "dismissive and overly centralised," empowering individuals to undermine elected representatives. Beattie asserted that in the absence of coherent policy direction, a toxic atmosphere had been allowed to flourish, eroding the party's former progressive and moderate outlook.

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we do not accept the characterisation of recent events set out in Mr Beattie's letter.

Adding to his grievances, Beattie mentioned that even as he raised concerns directly with Burrows, a campaign of rumor and gossip targeted him regarding selections, party relationships, financial matters, and employment issues. He described Burrows' intention to "reopen a disciplinary matter" against him as "vindictive."

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Your leadership style became dismissive and overly centralised, empowering individuals to actively undermine elected representatives.

A spokesperson for the UUP stated that the party "do not accept the characterisation of recent events set out in Mr Beattie's letter." Beattie concluded his letter by wishing the party well and hoping it could rediscover its social conscience and return to its founding principles.

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In the absence of any coherent policy direction from the leadership, a toxic atmosphere has been allowed to flourish within the party.