TUV to Only Step Aside in One DUP-Held Seat
Traditional Unionist Voice (TUV) leader Jim Allister has announced that the party will only be stepping aside in one Unionist-held seat in the upcoming election. This decision comes as a part of a formal partnership between TUV and Reform UK, with the aim of prioritizing the greater good. The move will see TUV/Reform UK running 13 candidates under their joint banner on 4 July.
In a recent statement, TUV leader Jim Allister criticized the Democratic Unionist Party (DUP) for overselling a deal that saw the party return to power-sharing four months ago. DUP leader Gavin Robinson acknowledged the party’s misjudgment in the deal, particularly regarding the Irish Sea border issue. This admission contradicted previous claims by former leader Sir Jeffrey Donaldson about the removal of the Irish Sea border.
Allister emphasized that TUV/Reform UK is the only party with credibility on key constitutional issues and announced the decision not to contest certain constituencies, including Upper Bann and Fermanagh and South Tyrone. The rationale behind not running in Upper Bann was to avoid assisting a Sinn Féin victory and to acknowledge the strength of the incumbent, Carla Lockhart of the DUP.
The TUV’s strategic move to step aside in certain constituencies is seen as a bold tactic to challenge the DUP’s hold on key seats. By aligning with Reform UK and emphasizing key issues like immigration, the TUV aims to give a voice to unionists who feel betrayed by post-Brexit arrangements negotiated by the DUP. Despite facing challenges due to Reform UK’s delayed registration process, the TUV remains committed to offering voters an alternative choice in the upcoming election.
As nominations close next Friday, a full list of candidates running under the TUV/Reform UK banner will be available on the BBC News NI website. The upcoming election is poised to be a significant moment for unionist voters to express their sentiments on crucial constitutional matters.