Alliance leader Mr Sean Neeson has been defeated in a bid to be the party's nomination in East Antrim at the next General Election.
The East Antrim assembly member was defeated in a selection meeting last night by his own constituency association by Larne councillor Mr John Matthews.
In a statement issued through a party spokesman, Mr Neeson congratulated the councillor on his victory.
"Sean put his name forward in the automatic way as his association expected.
"He is delighted that another strong candidate came forward. He welcomes the local association elected John Matthews and looks forward to co-operating with him in Westminster while he continues concentrating on leading the party and on his assembly duties."
Mr Matthews has been a councillor since 1997 in Larne and runs a furniture making business. His firm made the furniture for the Northern Ireland assembly.
Reuters
