Mike Nesbitt | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 Nesbitt in 2022 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Leader of the Ulster Unionist Party | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Assumed office 28 September 2024 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Deputy | Robbie Butler | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Preceded by | Doug Beattie | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| In office 31 March 2012 – 8 April 2017 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Deputy | John McCallister Robin Swann | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Preceded by | Tom Elliott | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Succeeded by | Robin Swann | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Minister of Health | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Assumed office 28 May 2024 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| First Minister | Michelle O'Neill | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Preceded by | Robin Swann | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Member of the Legislative Assembly forStrangford | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Assumed office 5 May 2011 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Preceded by | Simpson Gibson | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| AssemblyPrivate Secretary to theHealth Minister | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| In office 21 April 2024 – 28 May 2024 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Minister of Health | Robin Swann | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Ulster Unionist Party spokesperson for theEconomy | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| In office 25 May 2021 – 28 May 2024 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Leader | Doug Beattie | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Succeeded by | Colin Crawford | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Commissioner for Victims and Survivors | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| In office June 2008 – 17 February 2010 Serving with Patricia McBride, Brendan McAllister andBertha McDougall | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Preceded by | Position established(Bertha McDougall as sole interim Commissioner) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Succeeded by | Kathryn Stone (2012) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Personal details | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Born | (1957-05-11)11 May 1957 (age 68) Belfast, Northern Ireland | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Political party | Ulster Unionist Party | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Spouse | Unknown (before 1990) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Children | 4 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Alma mater | Jesus College, Cambridge Queen's University Belfast | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Occupation | Politician | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Profession | Journalist | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Known for | Television Presenter Leader of the UUP | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Michael Nesbitt,MLA (born 11 May 1957) is a Northern Irish politician and former broadcaster[1] currently serving as theMinister of Health since 28 May 2024. He has been theLeader of the Ulster Unionist Party (UUP) since 30 August 2024 following his successful candidacy in the2024 leadership election after previously serving in the role from2012 to2017.[2] Nesbitt has been aMember of the Northern Ireland Assembly (MLA) forStrangford since2011.[3]
Nesbitt was appointed as the Ulster Unionist Party'sEconomy spokesperson byDoug Beattie, and was briefly theprivate secretary to theHealth Minister,Robin Swann, in preparation for him succeeding Swann.[4][5] Following Beattie's resignation as UUP leader on 19 August 2024, Nesbitt launched a successful campaign to succeed him.[2]
Nesbitt worked as a sports reporter atBBC Northern Ireland and progressed to presentingGood Morning Ulster onBBC Radio Ulster from 1986 to 1990.[6] Nesbitt joinedUTV as a presenter and reporter in 1992, being joined by his wifeLynda Bryans to co-present evening news programmeUTV Live in 1996.[7]
Nesbitt and Bryans also co-presented weekly religious seriesSunday Morning for Anglia Television from 1999 to 2001,[8] and two series of home and garden seriesHome Sweet Home for UTV.[9]
Nesbitt also hostedCounterpoint[10] and made a guest appearance in comedy programmeEverything You Know Is Wrong in 1998.[10]
In 2006, Nesbitt announced he was not renewing his presenting contract with UTV.[6] His final edition ofUTV Live was broadcast on 10 February 2006.[11]
In January 2008, Nesbitt was announced as a Commissioner of Victims and Survivors,[12] aNorthern Ireland Assembly role designed to promote the interests of victims ofthe Troubles.
Nesbitt resigned from the post on 17 February 2010 to become the parliamentary candidate for theUlster Conservatives and Unionists – New Force in the constituency ofStrangford.[13] He lost out to theDemocratic Unionist Party'sJim Shannon in the election.[14]
In the2011 Northern Ireland Assembly election, Nesbitt was elected as one of six MLAs representing Strangford.[15]
Nesbitt is regarded as one of the more liberal unionists, he had previously stated his opposition to same-sex marriage, but spoke in favour in 2017.[16] His appeal to change the hands of leadership inNorthern Ireland with theSocial Democratic and Labour Party andAlliance Party fell on the deaf ears ofNorthern Irish society in which theDemocratic Unionist Party andSinn Féin claimed an increased victory over the opposing parties. He has been compared to reforming and liberalUlster Unionist PartyPrime Minister of Northern IrelandTerence O'Neill by some historians and politicians.[citation needed]
In May 2020, Nesbitt resigned as deputy chair of an Assembly committee after he admitted breakingCOVID-19 lockdown rules by visiting a female friend.[17] He announced that he had separated from his wife in January of that year.[18]
Nesbitt was the UUP representative on theNI Policing Board from July 2020 until 2024.[19]
Nesbitt was the Ulster Unionist Party's Economy spokesperson. In this role, he called on theUnited Kingdom government to cut Northern Ireland'scorporation tax to appeal to businesses and U.S. investment inNI.[20] In August 2023, he called for duty-free shopping for flights from Northern Ireland to theEU to be reinstated.[21]
Nesbitt voiced concerns over the safety implications of thePSNI data leak. Furthermore, he said that he was concerned for the "wellbeing of the officers and police staff."[22] Nesbitt also wrote to theChief ConstableSimon Byrne to ask for clarity over the theft of a police laptop.[23]
On 22 August 2023, following an emergency meeting of thePolicing Board, Nesbitt called onPSNI leadership "to form a plan to improve the appalling levels of low confidence in the PSNI."[24] This came after a LucidTalk opinion poll revealed that public confidence in the PSNI was at its lowest ever.[25]
In 2024, Nesbitt was appointed as theprivate secretary to theHealth Minister,Robin Swann, and succeeded Swann as Health Minister following his resignation following the calling of the2024 general election, in which Swann was a candidate.[5]
Nesbitt succeededRobin Swann asHealth Minister following his resignation on 28 May 2024.[26][27] His appointment prompted a resignation from the UUP afterAntrim and Newtownabbey Borough Councillor Paul Michael resigned citing Nesbitt's breach of theCOVID-19regulations during thepandemic in which he was involved in an extramarital affair as the reason.[28] Nesbitt called being health minister "the political honour" of his life but also the "ultimate political challenge of my life."[29]
On 29 May 2024, Nesbitt stated that he is not prepared to implement "catastrophic cuts" to services. He also vowed not to shirk hard or controversial decisions in the remaining three years of the Assembly mandate.[30] He also visited L'Arche Village inBelfast and presented certificates at the Orchardville Society's annual awards atTitanic Belfast in his first engagements. Nesbitt said that he would be a champion for both patients and healthcare staff.[31]
Nesbitt welcomed the increase in the number of people supporting organ donation in Northern Ireland following the one year anniversary of the introduction of Dáithi's Law on 31 May 2024.[32]
On 3 June 2024, Nesbitt made his opening statement to theNorthern Ireland Assembly as Health Minister.[33]
Nesbitt stressed the importance of being aware of the dangers ofUV exposure on 5 June 2024. He visited Kirkinriola Primary School to take part in a Cancer Focus Northern Ireland Sun Scientist session.[34]
On 12 June 2024, Nesbitt said that the Health Inequalities Annual Report must be essential reading across all parts of public life in Northern Ireland, stating that health inequalities are 'a challenge to us all.'[35]
Nesbitt congratulatedHealth and Social Care staff honoured in the2024 Birthday Honours list on 14 June 2024. He sent his "warmest congratulations to each and every person nominated."[36]
On 25 June 2024, Nesbitt welcomed the publication of final draft NICE guidance recommending use of the drugsKaftrio,Orkambi andSymkevi forcystic fibrosis.[37]
Nesbitt praised local health trusts after Northern Ireland became the first region in the UK to have all its diagnostic imaging services accredited on 26 June 2024.[38]
On 28 June 2024, Nesbitt praised a family-run GP surgery for its commitment to the rural community in SouthArmagh.[39]
Nesbitt welcomed additional in-year funding for theDepartment of Health on 1 July 2024. However, he also said a "significant shortfall" remains in the department's budget.[40]
On 9 July 2024, Nesbitt announced that core grant funding for community and voluntary organisations will be maintained. He confirmed that £1.8m will be distributed, keeping it at the same level as the previous year.[41] Nesbitt also announced £200,000 funding to help those suffering fromsubstance abuse andmental health difficulties.[42]
Nesbitt announced a series of key initiatives planned for the next six months on 10 July 2024. He also said that tackling health inequalities must be a "priority across all parts ofgovernment."[43]
On 11 July 2024, Nesbitt made his first visit toAltnagelvin Hospital. He met with staff across a range of services and took a tour of the facilities.[44]
Nesbitt welcomedsocial care reports on 18 July 2024. He emphasised that reforming adult social care is about so much more than easing hospital pressures.[45]
On 19 July 2024, Nesbitt welcomed theBMA NI Consultant Committee's decision to recommend the department's proposed 2024/25 pay offer for consultants to its membership.[46]
Nesbitt highlighted the role of Elective Care Centres in helping to reduce lengthy waiting lists during a visit to the Western Trust Elective Overnight Stay Centre on 24 July 2024.[47]
On 1 August 2024, Nesbitt andJustice MinisterNaomi Long launched a new Care Pathway and Model to provide streamlined access to Community Forensic Services.[48]
On 21 August 2024, Nesbitt appointed Northern Ireland's first independentAutism Reviewer.[49]
Nesbitt welcomed confirmation from theBMA Northern Ireland consultants committee that it will accept the pay offer tabled by theDepartment of Health on 23 August 2024.[50]
On 27 August 2024, Nesbitt extended the appointment of Professor Siobhan O’Neill as theMental Health Champion forNorthern Ireland.[51]
Nesbitt acknowledged the "immensely valuable" contribution made byinternationally recruited staff inHealth and Social Care in Northern Ireland on 29 August 2024.[52]
On 11 September 2024, Nesbitt launched a new health and wellbeing framework for staff working within Health and Social Care in Northern Ireland.[53]
On 8 April 2025, When asked about the possibility of introducing a Surgical Mesh Redress Scheme in Northern Ireland—similar to the one established in Scotland—Nesbitt described the situation as “unfortunate”, adding that he did not wish to act as a devolved government or “sow the seeds of division” among the thousands left disabled.[54]
Mike Nesbitt was elected as UUP party leader on 31 March 2012. He defeated South Down assembly memberJohn McCallister with a final vote tally of 536 votes to 129. Nesbitt said he wanted the UUP to become "the party of choice for every pro-union voter in Northern Ireland".[55]
In April 2012, Nesbitt announced that he wanted to make history by being the first leader of his party to attend aSinn Féin ard fheis. He said: "We should be going to all the conferences of the main parties, not just theConservatives,Labour andLiberal Democrats."[56]
Shortly after his election, Nesbitt received attention when he criticised theAlliance Party, a rival party of the UUP. He called them "unprincipled and driven by self-interest" and said they presided over "a catalogue of disasters". He challenged their commitment to its core policy of a shared future, saying "I can only imagine the disappointment of Alliance voters hoping for a principled stance on a shared future." An Alliance spokesman retorted, saying "In last year's election the public showed growing support for the Alliance Party. These criticisms come from a newly elected leader with little experience who leads a party that is in decline at a time when Alliance is in the ascendant. We will not, therefore, be responding to these silly remarks."[57]
Nesbitt has tried to present a unionism which is more accommodating to aspects ofIrish culture; for example he visited the Gaeltacht Quarter on theFalls Road, Belfast as the first step in trying to overturn the perception of some that his party is hostile to theIrish language.[58][59]
Following the2017 Northern Ireland Assembly election, Nesbitt announced his intention to step down as party leader, which he did on 8 April 2017.[60]
On 27 August 2024, following the resignation ofDoug Beattie as UUP leader, theNews Letter reported that Nesbitt would be the only candidate to succeed him and would run on a ticket of reforming the party.[61][62] In a statement, UUP deputy leaderRobbie Butler endorsed him saying he would lead a "revised and refreshed" leadership team offering "an exciting opportunity".[63] Nesbitt will remain as Health Minister when he takes up the leadership role.[64] On 30 August 2024, he was the only nominated candidate received by party officers.[2]
Following the closure of nominations, Nesbitt held a press conference in which he paid tribute to the outgoing leader, stating that whenever he became leader last time Beattie's name "was the first on the list of the people I wanted to attract into the party".[65] However, he refused to state whether Beattie had backed his nomination.[66] Speaking about the current state of the UUP, Nesbitt said it "looks like what has happened is a badly split party."[67]
Nesbitt will be ratified as leader at an extraordinary general meeting of the party on 14 September. He will become the first person to have twice held the position of UUP leader.[68] On 9 September 2024, the EGM was cancelled by party officers.
Nesbitt will deliver his first speech as the new UUP leader remotely after he failed to recover fromCOVID-19 in time to attend the party's annual conference.[69]
In July 2025, Nesbitt stated that he may step down as UUP leader before thenext Northern Ireland Assembly election, with a decision expected by January 2026, which would trigger a leadership election.[70]
Nesbitt was born inBelfast.[71] He attendedCampbell College, Belfast,[72] and studied atJesus College, Cambridge.[6]
Upon giving up broadcasting, Nesbitt and his second wifeLynda Bryans set up their own independent media services company. Nesbitt worked for a public relations company between his careers at BBC Northern Ireland and UTV.[6] In April 2010, Nesbitt revealed that he had two daughters from a previous marriage with whom he has had no contact since his divorce from their mother.[73]
Nesbitt has four children.[1]
| Northern Ireland Assembly | ||
|---|---|---|
| Preceded by | Member of the Northern Ireland Assembly forStrangford 2011–present | Incumbent |
| Party political offices | ||
| Preceded by | Leader of the Ulster Unionist Party 2012–2017 | Succeeded by |
| Preceded by | Leader of the Ulster Unionist Party 2024 – | Succeeded by Incumbent |
| Political offices | ||
| Preceded by | Minister of Health 2024 – | Succeeded by Incumbent |
