THE SOLE Ulster Unionist MP has said she will not stand for Westminster under the joint UUP-Conservative election pact formally announced in February.
Lady (Sylvia) Hermon said yesterday she could not stand under the “Ulster Conservatives and Unionists – New Force” banner when she defends her North Down seat at the next British general election expected next year.
“At the present time, I can’t see myself standing under a Conservative banner,” she said, explaining simply that she is “not a Tory”.
She said she was elected as an Ulster Unionist: “If my party chooses to move to call themselves by a different name, I’m terribly sorry and terribly disappointed by that, but I remain an Ulster Unionist,” she said. “That was certainly my mandate and I’ve loved serving the people of North Down.”
Lady Hermon’s unhappiness with the new relationship with the Conservatives has long been known, but this is the first time she has spoken publicly about her intentions.
Party leader Sir Reg Empey responded last night, saying Lady Hermon’s remarks were a challenge to “party policy and the collective decisions taken by her colleagues”.
Sir Reg, in a statement which portrayed the North Down MP as out of step with party opinion, said the decision was democratically and unanimously endorsed. “[The] North Down constituency was fully represented by all its delegates who unanimously voted in favour of the proposals.” he said.
“Her own position is not an issue in the present campaign. She was assured last year that she would not be required to take the Conservative Party whip in the lifetime of the present parliament. Candidate selection for the general election is not yet under way, meaning that any decisions regarding her own selection process in North Down do not have to be made at this point. This makes the timing of her statements all the more disappointing.”
However, last night that long-term approach appeared to lie in tatters.
A trusted UUP source told The Irish Times that the timing of her remarks was unfortunate with MEP Jim Nicholson defending his seat in next month’s European elections, the first time an Ulster Unionist is standing under the newly branded electoral pact with the Tories.
“It should have been sorted out a long time ago,” the source said. “We just don’t need any more Jeffrey Donaldsons in the party,” a reference to the difficulties that split the Ulster Unionists under David Trimble’s leadership before Mr Donaldson defected to the DUP.
But it was denied Lady Hermon’s decision would adversely affect Mr Nicholson’s re-election bid.
“Jim was an Ulster Unionist last time and he is an Ulster Unionist this time,” the source added. “So I don’t think that will be a problem.”
It was suggested that Lady Hermon could simply stand as an Ulster Unionist at the next election and that there was room for such an arrangement.
“Technically she could do that,” the source said.
Sir Reg said his party would continue to work with the Tories.