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Mike Nesbitt

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For the American football coach and former player, see Mike Nesbitt (American football).

Mike Nesbitt
MLA
Nesbitt in 2024
Leader of the Ulster Unionist Party
Incumbent
Assumed office
28 September 2024
DeputyRobbie Butler
Preceded byDoug Beattie
In office
31 March 2012 – 8 April 2017
DeputyJohn McCallister
Robin Swann
Preceded byTom Elliott
Succeeded byRobin Swann
Minister of Health
Incumbent
Assumed office
28 May 2024
First MinisterMichelle O'Neill
Preceded byRobin Swann
Member of the Legislative Assembly
for Strangford
Incumbent
Assumed office
5 May 2011
Preceded bySimpson Gibson
Assembly Private Secretary to the Health Minister
In office
21 April 2024 – 28 May 2024
Minister of HealthRobin Swann
Ulster Unionist Party spokesperson for the Economy
In office
25 May 2021 – 28 May 2024
LeaderDoug Beattie
Succeeded byColin Crawford
Committee history
Deputy Chair of the Committee for The Executive Office
In office
14 January 2020 – 4 May 2020
ChairColin McGrath
Preceded byDanny Kennedy (2017)
Succeeded byDoug Beattie
Chair of the Committee for The Executive Office
In office
25 May 2016 – 25 January 2017
DeputySandra Overend
Danny Kennedy
Preceded byhimself (as Chair of the Committee for the Office of the First Minister and deputy First Minister)
Succeeded byColin McGrath (2020)
Chair of the Committee for the Office of the First Minister and deputy First Minister
In office
17 April 2012 – 30 March 2016
DeputyChris Lyttle
Preceded byTom Elliott
Succeeded byhimself (as Chair of the Committee for The Executive Office)
Chair of the Committee for Education
In office
31 January 2012 – 17 April 2012
ChairMervyn Storey
Preceded byDavid McNarry
Succeeded byDanny Kinahan
Commissioner for Victims and Survivors
In office
June 2008 – 17 February 2010
Serving with Patricia McBride, Brendan McAllister and Bertha McDougall
Preceded byPosition established (Bertha McDougall as sole interim Commisioner)
Succeeded byKathryn Stone (2012)
Personal details
Born (1957-05-11) 11 May 1957 (age 67)
Belfast, Northern Ireland
Political partyUlster Unionist Party
Spouse
Unknown
​
(before 1990)​
​
​
(m. 1992; sep. 2020)​
Children4
Alma materJesus College, Cambridge
Queen's University, Belfast
OccupationPolitician
ProfessionJournalist
Known forTelevision Presenter
Leader of the UUP

Michael Nesbitt, MLA (born 11 May 1957) is a Northern Irish politician and former broadcaster[1] currently serving as the Minister of Health since 28 May 2024. He has been the Leader of the Ulster Unionist Party (UUP) since 30 August 2024 following his successful candidacy in the 2024 leadership election after previously serving in the role from 2012 to 2017.[2] Nesbitt has been a Member of the Northern Ireland Assembly (MLA) for Strangford since 2011.[3]

Nesbitt was appointed as the Ulster Unionist Party's Economy spokesperson by Doug Beattie, and was briefly the private secretary to the Health 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]

Broadcasting career

[edit]

Nesbitt worked as a sports reporter at BBC Northern Ireland and progressed to presenting Good Morning Ulster on BBC Radio Ulster from 1986 to 1990.[6] Nesbitt joined UTV as a presenter and reporter in 1992, being joined by his wife Lynda Bryans to co-present evening news programme UTV Live in 1996.[7]

Nesbitt and Bryans also co-presented weekly religious series Sunday Morning for Anglia Television from 1999 to 2001,[8] and two series of home and garden series Home Sweet Home for UTV.[9]

Nesbitt also hosted Counterpoint[10] and made a guest appearance in comedy programme Everything You Know Is Wrong in 1998.[10]

In 2006, Nesbitt announced he was not renewing his presenting contract with UTV.[6] His final edition of UTV Live was broadcast on 10 February 2006.[11]

Political career

[edit]

In January 2008, Nesbitt was announced as a Commissioner of Victims and Survivors,[12] a Northern Ireland Assembly role designed to promote the interests of victims of the Troubles.

Nesbitt resigned from the post on 17 February 2010 to become the parliamentary candidate for the Ulster Conservatives and Unionists – New Force in the constituency of Strangford.[13] He lost out to the Democratic Unionist Party's Jim Shannon in the election.[14]

In the 2011 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 in Northern Ireland with the Social Democratic and Labour Party and Alliance Party fell on the deaf ears of Northern Irish society in which the Democratic Unionist Party and Sinn Féin claimed an increased victory over the opposing parties. He has been compared to reforming and liberal Ulster Unionist Party Prime Minister of Northern Ireland Terence O'Neill by some historians and politicians.[citation needed]

In May 2020, Nesbitt resigned as deputy chair of an Assembly committee after he admitted breaking COVID-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 the NI Policing Board from July 2020 until 2024.[19]

Nesbitt was the Ulster Unionist Party's Economy spokesperson. In this role, he called on the United Kingdom government to cut Northern Ireland's corporation tax to appeal to businesses and U.S. investment in NI.[20] In August 2023, he called for duty free shopping for flights from Northern Ireland to the EU to be reinstated.[21]

Nesbitt voiced concerns over the safety implications of the PSNI data leak. Furthermore, he said that he was concerned for the "wellbeing of the officers and police staff."[22] Nesbitt also wrote to the Chief Constable Simon Byrne to ask for clarity over the theft of a police laptop.[23]

On August 22 2023, following an emergency meeting of the Policing Board, Nesbitt called on PSNI 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 the private secretary to the Health Minister, Robin Swann, and succeeded Swann as Health Minister following his resignation following the calling of the 2024 general election, in which Swann was a candidate.[26]

Minister of Health (2024–present)

[edit]

Appointment

[edit]

Nesbitt succeeded Robin Swann as Health Minister following his resignation on 28 May 2024.[27][28] His appointment prompted a resignation from the UUP after Antrim and Newtownabbey Borough Councillor Paul Michael resigned citing Nesbitt's breach of the COVID-19 regulations during the pandemic in which he was involved in an extramarital affair as the reason.[29] Nesbitt called being health minister "the political honour" of his life but also the "ultimate political challenge of my life."[30]

2024

[edit]

May

[edit]

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.[31] He also visited L'Arche Village in Belfast and presented certificates at the Orchardville Society's annual awards at Titanic Belfast in his first engagements. Nesbitt said that he would be a champion for both patients and healthcare staff.[32]

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.[33]

June

[edit]

On 3 June 2024, Nesbitt made his opening statement to the Northern Ireland Assembly as Health Minister.[34]

Nesbitt stressed the importance of being aware of the dangers of UV exposure on 5 June 2024. He visited Kirkinriola Primary School to take part in a Cancer Focus Northern Ireland Sun Scientist session.[35]

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.'[36]

Nesbitt congratulated Health and Social Care staff honoured in the 2024 Birthday Honours list on 14 June 2024. He sent his "warmest congratulations to each and every person nominated."[37]

On 25 June 2024, Nesbitt welcomed the publication of final draft NICE guidance recommending use of the drugs Kaftrio, Orkambi and Symkevi for cystic fibrosis.[38]

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.[39]

On 28 June 2024, Nesbitt praised a family-run GP surgery for its commitment to the rural community in South Armagh.[40]

July

[edit]

Nesbitt welcomed additional in-year funding for the Department of Health on 1 July 2024. However, he also said a "significant shortfall" remains in the department's budget.[41]

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.[42] Nesbitt also announced £200,000 funding to help those suffering from substance abuse and mental health difficulties.[43]

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 of government."[44]

On 11 July 2024, Nesbitt made his first visit to Altnagelvin Hospital. He met with staff across a range of services and took a tour of the facilities.[45]

Nesbitt welcomed social care reports on 18 July 2024. He emphasised that reforming adult social care is about so much more than easing hospital pressures.[46]

On 19 July 2024, Nesbitt welcomed the BMA NI Consultant Committee’s decision to recommend the Department’s proposed 2024/25 pay offer for consultants to its membership.[47]

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.[48]

August

[edit]

On 1 August 2024, Nesbitt and Justice Minister Naomi Long launched a new Care Pathway and Model to provide streamlined access to Community Forensic Services.[49]

On 21 August 2024, Nesbitt appointed Northern Ireland’s first independent Autism Reviewer.[50]

Nesbitt welcomed confirmation from the BMA Northern Ireland consultants committee that it will accept the pay offer tabled by the Department of Health on 23 August 2024.[51]

On 27 August 2024, Nesbitt extended the appointment of Professor Siobhan O’Neill as the Mental Health Champion for Northern Ireland.[52]

Nesbitt acknowledged the “immensely valuable” contribution made by internationally-recruited staff in Health and Social Care in Northern Ireland on 29 August 2024.[53]

September

[edit]

On 11 September 2024, Nesbitt launched a new health and wellbeing framework for staff working within Health and Social Care in Northern Ireland.[54]

Leader of the Ulster Unionist Party

[edit]

First term (2012–2017)

[edit]

Mike Nesbitt was elected as UUP party leader on 31 March 2012. He defeated South Down assembly member John 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 a Sinn Féin ard fheis. He said: "We should be going to all the conferences of the main parties, not just the Conservatives, Labour and Liberal Democrats."[56]

Shortly after his election, Nesbitt received attention when he criticised the Alliance 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 of Irish culture; for example he visited the Gaeltacht Quarter on the Falls Road, Belfast as the first step in trying to overturn the perception of some that his party is hostile to the Irish language.[58][59]

Following the 2017 Northern Ireland Assembly election, Nesbitt announced his intention to step down as party leader, which he did on 8 April 2017.[60]

2024 leadership campaign

[edit]
Further information: 2024 Ulster Unionist Party leadership election

On 27 August 2024, following the resignation of Doug Beattie as UUP leader, the News 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 leader Robbie 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.[65]

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”.[66] However, he refused to state whether Beattie had backed his nomination.[67] Speaking about the current state of the UUP, Nesbitt said it "looks like what has happened is a badly split party."[68]

Second term (2024–present)

[edit]

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.[69] 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 from COVID-19 in time to attend the party’s annual conference.[70]

Personal life

[edit]

Nesbitt was born in Belfast.[71] He attended Campbell College, Belfast[72] and studied at Jesus College, Cambridge.[6]

Upon giving up broadcasting, Nesbitt and his second wife Lynda 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]

References

[edit]
  1. ^ a b "'I could see myself getting old with Mike'" Belfast Telegraph, 29 February 2004; accessed 6 February 2009
  2. ^ a b "Nominations for UUP leadership close". BBC News. Retrieved 30 August 2024.
  3. ^ "Robin Swann becomes new UUP leader". BBC News. 8 April 2017.
  4. ^ "Strangford". UUP Live. Retrieved 22 August 2023.
  5. ^ "Robin Swann to step down as health minister when election called as possible replacement named". BelfastTelegraph.co.uk. 21 April 2024. ISSN 0307-1235. Retrieved 21 April 2024.
  6. ^ a b c d "Nesbitt quits UTV over contracts row" Belfast Telegraph, 2 February 2006, accessed 5 April 2009
  7. ^ Lynda Bryans' profile on u.tv WebArchive.org, 11 July 2002, accessed 5 April 2009
  8. ^ Michael Nesbitt's filmography BFI Film and TV Database: accessed 5 April 2009
  9. ^ "Home Sweet Home" BFI Film and TV Database: accessed 5 April 20/9
  10. ^ a b Mike Nesbitt's filmography BFI Film and TV Database: accessed 5 April 2009
  11. ^ UTV Live Special – Mike Nesbitt's last day Archived 12 March 2007 at the Wayback Machine UTV Today; accessed 5 April 2009
  12. ^ "Victims' posts details revealed" BBC News, 28 January 2008
  13. ^ "Nesbitt is UUP election candidate" BBC News, 17 February 2010, accessed 17 February 2010
  14. ^ Strangford: Jim Shannon keeps Iris seat for the DUP BBC News, 7 May 2010
  15. ^ "NI Assembly election results by stage – Strangford" (PDF). Electoral Office for Northern Ireland. Retrieved 25 March 2016.
  16. ^ "Mike Nesbitt: I caused hurt by not supporting law change on gay marriage - but I do now". Belfast Telegraph.
  17. ^ "Coronavirus: Mike Nesbitt quits committee after lockdown breach". BBC News. 3 May 2020.
  18. ^ "I am remorseful, says former UUP leader Mike Nesbitt as he quits role at Stormont after flouting lockdown rules". Belfasttelegraph.co.uk. 3 May 2020.
  19. ^ "The Board". www.nipolicingboard.org.uk. 13 October 2015.
  20. ^ "UUP calls on Government to cut NI corporation tax". UUP Live. Retrieved 8 August 2023.
  21. ^ "Mike Nesbitt MLA Calls for Duty Free Anomaly to be Rectified". UUP Live. Retrieved 8 August 2023.
  22. ^ "Nesbitt Voices Concern Over Safety Implications of Data Leak". UUP Live. Retrieved 21 August 2023.
  23. ^ "UUP's Mike Nesbitt requests clarity over PSNI laptop theft".
  24. ^ "Nesbitt Demands PSNI Leadership Restore Public And Staff Confidence Immediately". UUP Live. Retrieved 22 August 2023.
  25. ^ "Do you have confidence in (a) the PSNI?, and (b) the Chief Constable: Simon Byrne?". Twitter. Retrieved 22 August 2023.
  26. ^ "Robin Swann to step down as health minister when election called as possible replacement named". BelfastTelegraph.co.uk. 21 April 2024. ISSN 0307-1235. Retrieved 21 April 2024.
  27. ^ "Doug Beattie: Next health minister 'likely' to be Mike Nesbitt". BBC News. 23 April 2024. Retrieved 27 May 2024.
  28. ^ "x.com". X (formerly Twitter). Retrieved 28 May 2024.
  29. ^ McCarthy, James Martin (28 May 2024). "Health Minister to stand down as UUP set to vote against budget". Belfast Live. Retrieved 28 May 2024.
  30. ^ "Health minister role the 'political honour of my life' - Nesbitt". BBC News. 28 May 2024. Retrieved 29 May 2024.
  31. ^ Young, David (29 May 2024). "Belfast News Letter". Retrieved 29 May 2024.
  32. ^ "x.com". X (formerly Twitter). Retrieved 29 May 2024.
  33. ^ "Minister marks first anniversary of Dáithí's Law". Health. 31 May 2024. Retrieved 19 June 2024.
  34. ^ https://www.health-ni.gov.uk/sites/default/files/publications/health/doh-speech-assembly-statement-030624.pdf [bare URL PDF]
  35. ^ Flores, Clare (5 June 2024). "Cancer Focus NI welcomes Health Minister Mike Nesbitt to "Sun Scientist" Session at Kirkinriola Primary School". Cancer Focus Northern Ireland. Retrieved 19 June 2024.
  36. ^ "Health inequalities 'a challenge to us all'". Health. 12 June 2024. Retrieved 19 June 2024.
  37. ^ "Health Minister congratulates health staff on Birthday Honours". Health. 14 June 2024. Retrieved 19 June 2024.
  38. ^ "Minister welcomes CF drug announcement". Health. 25 June 2024. Retrieved 1 July 2024.
  39. ^ "NI first UK region to achieve diagnostic imaging accreditation". Health. 26 June 2024. Retrieved 1 July 2024.
  40. ^ "Keeping it in the family - Minister praises GPs' commitment to community". Health. 27 June 2024. Retrieved 1 July 2024.
  41. ^ "Statement by Health Minister". Health. 1 July 2024. Retrieved 1 July 2024.
  42. ^ "Core grant funding allocated". Health. 8 July 2024. Retrieved 24 July 2024.
  43. ^ "Funding of £200,000 for substance use and mental health project". Health. 9 July 2024. Retrieved 24 July 2024.
  44. ^ "Minister sets out series of key initiatives". Health. 10 July 2024. Retrieved 24 July 2024.
  45. ^ "Western Trust Chief Executive welcomes first visit from new Health Minister to Altnagelvin Hospital | Western Health & Social Care Trust".
  46. ^ "Minister welcomes Social Care Reports". Health. 17 July 2024. Retrieved 24 July 2024.
  47. ^ "2024/25 pay offer for consultants". Health. 19 July 2024. Retrieved 24 July 2024.
  48. ^ "Elective Care Centres helping to reduce waiting lists – Minister". Health. 24 July 2024. Retrieved 31 July 2024.
  49. ^ "Launch of new Care Pathway and Model for Community Forensic Services in Northern Ireland". Health. 1 August 2024. Retrieved 20 August 2024.
  50. ^ "Independent Autism Reviewer appointed". Health. 21 August 2024. Retrieved 29 August 2024.
  51. ^ "Consultants vote to accept pay offer". Health. 23 August 2024. Retrieved 27 September 2024.
  52. ^ "Extension of Mental Health Champion appointment". Health. 27 August 2024. Retrieved 27 September 2024.
  53. ^ "International staff "very welcome and deeply valued": Nesbitt". Health. 29 August 2024. Retrieved 27 September 2024.
  54. ^ "People are the HSC's greatest strength: Minister". Health. 11 September 2024. Retrieved 27 September 2024.
  55. ^ "Mike Nesbitt is new Ulster Unionist leader". BBC News. 31 March 2012. Retrieved 11 June 2012.
  56. ^ McAdam, Noel (5 April 2012). "Ulster Unionist chief Mike Nesbitt: I'll go to Sinn Féin ard fheis and sell Union to republicans". Belfast Telegraph. Retrieved 11 June 2012.
  57. ^ "Unprincipled, self-interested... Mike Nesbitt lays into Alliance Party". Belfast Telegraph. 23 April 2012. Retrieved 11 June 2012.
  58. ^ "Nesbitt takes up Irish language invitation – Gaeltacht Quarter visit by the UUP leader". Andersonstown News. 5 December 2015.[permanent dead link]
  59. ^ "Confident Mike Nesbitt challenges UUP party faithful on cold spots like same sex marriage and Irish #UUP15". Slugger O'Toole. 5 December 2015.
  60. ^ "Mike Nesbitt steps down as UUP leader". BBC News. 4 March 2017.
  61. ^ https://x.com/News_Letter/status/1828405965990854825 [bare URL]
  62. ^ "Mike Nesbitt set to be sole UUP leadership candidate". BelfastTelegraph.co.uk. 27 August 2024. ISSN 0307-1235. Retrieved 27 August 2024.
  63. ^ https://www.itv.com/news/utv/2024-08-27/mike-nesbitt-expected-to-be-next-uup-leader [bare URL]
  64. ^ "Mike Nesbitt running for Ulster Unionist Party leadership unopposed - Northern Ireland Elects". nielects.com. 27 August 2024. Retrieved 27 August 2024.
  65. ^ "Nominations for UUP leadership close". BBC News. Retrieved 30 August 2024.
  66. ^ "Mike Nesbitt to become next UUP leader". BBC News. Retrieved 30 August 2024.
  67. ^ "Mike Nesbitt to become UUP leader for second time". BBC News. Retrieved 30 August 2024.
  68. ^ "Mike Nesbitt to become next UUP leader". BBC News. Retrieved 30 August 2024.
  69. ^ "UUP: Mike Nesbitt to be new party leader". BBC News. 30 August 2024. Retrieved 30 August 2024.
  70. ^ McCambridge, Jonathan (27 September 2024). "Mike Nesbitt to make first speech as UUP leader remotely". Belfast Live. Retrieved 27 September 2024.
  71. ^ Mike Nesbitt's profile on u.tv WebArchive.org: captured 11 July 2002; accessed 5 April 2009
  72. ^ "My hopes for 2006" Belfast Telegraph, 28 December 2005, accessed 5 April 2009
  73. ^ "Nesbitt: My secret family". Belfast Telegraph.
[edit]
Northern Ireland Assembly
Preceded by Member of the Northern Ireland Assembly for Strangford
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
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