It is speculated that Councillor Diana Armstrong will be announced as the new Ulster Unionist MLA for Fermanagh South Tyrone at the party’s conference this weekend. 

Lord Elliott of Ballinamallard who was installed in the House of Lords earlier this month is expected to stand down from his MLA seat and continue his political career in the House of Lords.

At the time his peerage was announced, Lord Elliott hinted he would be standing down from his seat telling this newspaper: “I am there for the time being, all that has to be discussed.”

Councillor Armstrong, who contested the general election earlier this year for the party,  has served as a councillor in Fermanagh and Omagh District Council for the ward of Erne North since 2016.  Given Mrs. Armstrong’s profile in the constituency since her general election run, she remains the most likely candidate.

Lord Elliott, a former party leader currently serves as the Agriculture and Environment spokesman for the party and as chair of Stormont’s Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs Committee. Mr. Elliott is also the Deputy Chief Whip for the party in the Assembly.

He was re-elected to Stormont in 2022 having previously served between 2003 and 2015. He served as MP for Fermanagh South Tyrone from 2015 to 2017. 

The Impartial Reporter understands that the Fermanagh and South Tyrone Unionist Association met last night (Wednesday) to officially select Mrs. Armstrong as the next MLA for Fermanagh South Tyrone. 

If Mrs. Armstrong is selected to represent the area as an MLA, her council seat will become vacant and a replacement will be co-opted. Party sources have remained tight-lipped on who may replace Mrs. Armstrong in Erne North.