Northern Ireland assembly member cites relentless hostility and says he hasn't been given fair opportunity
Tom Elliott is to quit as leader of the Ulster Unionists after accusing party critics of not giving him a chance.
He announced on Thursday night that he will not be seeking re-election at the party's annual meeting later this month. Elliott, a member of the Northern Ireland assembly who took over the leadership in the summer of 2010, said: "I am well aware some people have not given me a fair opportunity at developing and progressing many initiatives.
"Some of this obstruction and hostility began immediately following my election as leader and has been relentless since. However I accept that is part and parcel of politics."
His leadership has been under pressure since the party's dismal performance in the assembly elections in May last year – which followed an equally disastrous general election when the party failed to win a single seat.
In a statement tonight, Elliott said: "Following my election as leader I set about improving internal party structures, since then I have amended the party rules, including discipline, significantly increased internal party communications, negotiated a move for new party headquarters and strengthened our staff structure. I have also been successful in leading the political field by making a start to reviewing the government structures and reducing the over-governance of Northern Ireland."
Elliott took over the leadership from Sir Reg Empey. He will remain a member of the Assembly for Fermanagh-South Tyrone.
The election of the new leader will take place on 31 March.
Basil McCrea and Danny Kennedy are likely to emerge as some of the front-runners for the job.