Three-horse race for UUP leadership

The race to succeed David Trimble as Ulster Unionist leader intensified tonight after the party confirmed three Assembly members as candidates.

At the close of nominations at 5pm, former Stormont economy minister Sir Reg Empey, former British army major Alan McFarland and ex-Trimble aide David McNarry lodged papers to becomes candidates in the selection contest in seven days’ time.

Mr Trimble was forced to quit last month after the party lost four of its five Westminster seats in the British general election and also sustained heavy losses in the local government election.