Former Stormont minister Sir Reg Empey is today preparing to enter the race for the leadership of the Ulster Unionist Party.
Sir Reg, who was Northern Ireland's economy minister during devolution, will announce his bid to replace David Trimble as UUP leader at a Belfast press conference.
The East Belfast MLA is believed to have the backing of Assembly colleagues Fred Cobain and Michael Copeland. Mr Trimble stood down as leader last month after the party lost four House of Commons seats in the election, leaving it with just one MP.
Former David Trimble aide and Strangford UUP Assembly member David McNarry this week announced a bid for the leadership.
Veteran peer Lord Maginnis and North Down Assembly member Alan McFarland are also expected to enter the race, while former deputy leader Lord Kilclooney has expressed interest in taking over only as a temporary leader.
The contest will be held on June 24th and will be the first leadership battle since the Protestant Orange Order severed its links with the party in March, removing a bloc of about 120 delegates on the Ulster Unionist Council.