UUP leader says Jeffrey Donaldson meeting was to discuss DUP leader switching parties

However, a DUP minister said talk of his party leader rejoining the UUP was 'tittle tattle'

Ulster Unionist Party leader Doug Beattie. Picture: Liam McBurney/PA

Ulster Unionist leader Doug Beattie has said a meeting he held with Jeffrey Donaldson last year was to discuss the Lagan Valley MP switching parties.

Mr Donaldson, now the DUP leader, has denied claims that he considered joining the UUP after he lost out in an initial leadership battle with Edwin Poots.