Doug Beatty's Resignation and Internal Party Tensions

Doug Beatty resigned as leader of the Ulster Unionist Party (UUP) due to irreconcilable differences with party officers, a decision that surprised some party members who were unaware of the brewing tensions. The friction escalated around the selection of Colin Crawford as the new MLA for North Antrim, which Beatty opposed. While some within the party were shocked by Beatty's departure, others recognized the mounting discontent surrounding his leadership, highlighting the unique democratic structure of the UUP that hindered his authority. This incident underscores the challenge faced by leaders in a decentralized party where internal dynamics can quickly destabilize leadership roles.