Doug Beattie “will likely step down” as leader of the Ulster Unionist Party later today, the Belfast Telegraph understands.
A statement regarding the Upper Bann MLA’s future is expected in the coming hours amid growing speculation over his future.
There has been internal tensions over his role in recent weeks.
Mr Beattie took over as leader of the party in May 2021. The party has had three leaders, including Mr Beattie, in total, since the resignation of current Health Minister Mike Nesbitt after the 2017 Assembly election.
The party regained a seat at Westminster in the general election in July. It followed recent difficult electoral performances for the party.
It’s thought the tensions are linked to the selection of Colin Crawford as the party’s new North Antrim MLA, replacing Robin Swann who became MP for South Antrim.
Earlier this year there was also anger from some within the party over the decision to nominate Robin Swann as Stormont Health Minister at a time when he was campaigning for the Westminster seat.
Lagan Valley MLA Robbie Butler is the party’s deputy leader. Before Mr Swann was nominated for an Executive post, Mr Butler was widely tipped to become education minister.
Mr Beattie initially saw success when he took over as leader, with the party overtaking the DUP for a short period in opinion polls.
The UUP leader’s background is in the military and he served three tours in Afghanistan.
He was later awarded the Military Cross, which is the third-highest award for gallantry in the face of the enemy.
Mr Beattie retired from the army before joing the UUP and being elected as a councillor in 2014.
He later won a seat in Upper Bann in the Assembly election in 2016.