Hermon front-runner in UUP leadership race

THE Ulster Unionist Party’s last remaining MP, Lady Sylvia Hermon, yesterday said she is considering contesting the party leadership.

The move came a day after David Trimble announced he was standing down as leader, following the UUP’s dismal defeat to the DUP in the elections. The party lost four of its five MPs, including Mr Trimble, who lost his Upper Bann seat.

Speaking to RTÉ, Lady Hermon indicated her willingness to stand. “I care for the party. I care desperately for the future of Northern Ireland so I will think carefully over the weekend,” she said. “(I will) decide at the beginning of the week what I am going to do.”