Lady Sylvia Hermon has announced she will contest the UUP candidacy for the North Down Westminster seat following the de-selection of anti-agreement candidate Mr Peter Weir, writes Clare Murphy.
Mr Weir was de-selected by the branch following his suspension by a committee at UUP headquarters for defying the party whip during Assembly debates. His high court effort to overturn the decision failed.
Lady Sylvia, the wife of former RUC Chief Constable Sir John Hermon, said she would soon submit her application and run as a pro-agreement candidate.
The secretary of the constituency association, Mr James McKerrow, confirmed more than one nomination had already been received. Nominations close next Tuesday. UUP Belfast councillor Mr Jim Rodgers has also indicated he may run.