David Trimble has confirmed he will not seek re-election to the Northern Ireland Assembly.
The former Ulster Unionist leader was expected to make his announcement following his elevation to the House of Lords.
Lord Trimble led his party from 1995 until last year's Westminster election that saw him lose his seat in the House of Commons and the confirmation of the DUP as the lead unionist party. He is the latest senior party figure to announce a decision not to stand in the Assembly election scheduled for March 7th next year.
Assembly speaker and former Alliance deputy leader Eileen Bell confirmed earlier this year she would not be defending her North Down seat at the next election. SDLP chief negotiator Seán Farren has also said he will not seek re-election.