Ulster Unionist Party leader, Mike Nesbitt has announced a mini reshuffle of his Assembly team. The move sees the creation of a Department of the Economy unit and allows the Party to focus more closely on its key priorities.

Mike said:

“Today’s (Friday) mini reshuffle of our MLAs will allow the Party to focus more closely on our key priorities, as laid out at the Party Conference.’

“Danny Kinahan will leave the Committee of the First Minister and deputy First Minister, to concentrate exclusively on his education brief. This is a critical time for this policy area, with the Education & Skills Authority Bill finally coming to the Assembly so we feel it is important Danny can devote his attentions to ensuring the Bill is fit for purpose.’

“The Ulster Unionist Party is creating its own Department of the Economy unit, which will see Basil McCrea and Sandra Overend combining their current briefs as spokespersons for DEL and DETI respectively. This will enable them to offer a holistic analysis of how best to develop Northern Ireland’s economic potential.’

“Roy Beggs, who has done excellent work in bringing forward the compelling data on the link between school absenteeism and social deprivation, is the Party’s new Health Spokesperson, and will build on the excellent position paper presented to the Party’s annual Conference last month.’

“John McCallister will join two Statutory Committees: COFMdFM, where I look forward to working with him on issues including a Shared Future; and also on the Committee on Finance and Personnel, where he will support our spokesperson for that brief, Leslie Cree.’

The position of Deputy Leader of the Assembly Group is under review.