Doug Beattie, MLA for Upper Bann and a retired Army Captain, was speculated as a potential candidate for the leadership. Beattie had said he would "take soundings" with regard to the leadership position. However, on 14 October 2019, the Upper Bann MLA said a contested leadership election would be a distraction. He endorsed Steve Aiken, a former Royal Navy commander who was elected MLA for South Antrim in 2016. Both Aiken and Beattie were seen as "being largely on the liberal side of the party."[3]
On 23 October 2019, the party confirmed that Aiken was the only nomination received by officials. He was confirmed as leader on 9 November at the party's Annual General Meeting.[4]
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