McClarty to contest East Derry constituency for UUP

The Ulster Unionist Party (UUP) has chosen its chief whip, David McClarty, to contest the next general election in the East Derry constituency.

The Democratic Unionist Party's Gregory Campbell won the seat from the UUP at the last election.

Mr McClarty has been an Assembly member since 1998 and is a loyal supporter of party leader David Trimble.

He has also been a member of Coleraine Borough Council since 1989 and served as mayor of the town between 1993 and 1995.