Swann to stand in South Antrim in the Westminster Election

NORTH Antrim MLA Robin Swann is set to switch constituencies from North Antrim to South Antrim in the next Westminster election, hoping to capitalize on his popularity as former Health Minister.
Regarded by many as having done a good job as Health Minister during the Covid Pandemic, Mr Swann topped the poll in North Antrim in the 2022 Assembly Election.

Even with this, Mr Swann would always face an uphill battle going head to head with Ian Paisley in North Antrim.

The party believes that South Antrim DUP MP Paul Girvan is more vulnerable, with Mr Swann well placed to unseat him. The UUP won the seat in 2015, losing it to Mr Girvan by a very reclaimable 3000 votes last time.

To that end local South Antrim MLA and former party leader Steve Aiken has confirmed that he has withdrawn his nomination for the Westminster election.

UUP party leader Mr Doug Beattie said: “Robin Swann has, after structured conversations with myself as party leader, put his name forward to stand as the candidate for South Antrim. He will now go before the association for selection.

“Robin is an exceptional candidate with the depth of knowledge needed to represent South Antrim at Westminster.

“Supported by Steve Aiken, and a cohesive association, they will be in a strong position to get Robin elected as a Member of Parliament.”

In common with many political partys, UUP Westminster candidates are selected by local associations.

South Antrim UUP chairman, Jim Montgomery, said: “South Antrim was, for many years, a stronghold for the UUP.

“As an association and a party, we are confident and determined to regain the seat for the benefit of the people of the constituency.

“As health minister during Covid, Robin showed his ability to deliver a great service for people. As South Antrim MP, he would give that same high level of performance and commitment in Westminster.”

Steve Aiken has expressed his total support for Mr Swann, saying: “I am delighted Robin has agreed to put himself forward for ratification to South Antrim UUP Association next week.

“I fully endorse his candidacy, and I encourage the association to completely support him in our endeavours to restore South Antrim to the UUP fold.”