UUP councillor Paul Michael quits over Robin Swann reshuffle plan

A councillor has quit the Ulster Unionist Party (UUP) over a decision to line up former leader Mike Nesbitt to replace Robin Swann as Stormont health minister.

Paul Michael told the Antrim Guardian newspaper he opposes the plan because Mr Nesbitt admitted a breach of lockdown rules during the Covid pandemic.

The Antrim and Newtownabbey councillor also criticised the party’s response when he asked questions about assembly member Steve Aiken receiving a two-day suspension from Stormont.

The UUP said it was “disappointed” with Mr Michael’s decision but wished him well for the future.

Mr Swann was selected as the UUP’s candidate in the South Antrim constituency for the forthcoming Westminster election.

He plans to stand down as health minister in the Northern Ireland Executive when the election campaign begins.

UUP leader Doug Beattie said it was a “fair deduction” that Mr Nesbitt would replace Mr Swann as health minister.

Mr Michael, who revealed his resignation from the UUP in the Antrim Guardian newspaper, said lining up Mr Nesbitt as health minister was a “bridge too far”.

He also said the “shutters just came down” in the UUP when he asked questions about Mr Aiken’s suspension this month.

A standards watchdog had found Mr Aiken breached the “confidentiality” of an assembly complaints process.

Mr Michael, a councillor for the Airport district electoral area (DEA), said he plans to continue as an independent.

A UUP spokesman told BBC News NI: “Councillor Michael has served the Ulster Unionist Party and the people of Airport DEA for a number of years.

“While we are disappointed with his decision, we wish him the best for the future.”