Northern Ireland

UUP leader tests positive for Covid ahead of party conference

Mike Nesbitt said he will be at home recovering for the next few days

Stormont Health Minister Mike Nesbitt would be seen as one of the favourites to succeed Mr Beattie if he decides to run .
UUP leader Mike Nesbitt gave an update on Tuesday (Rebecca Black/PA)

Ulster Unionist party leader Mike Nesbitt has tested positive for Covid 19.

It comes just days before the annual party conference which is due to be held in Belfast this weekend.

In a statement on social media, Mr Nesbitt, who is also health minister, said: “I have tested positive for Covid and will be at home recovering for the next few days.

“I continue to attend to ministerial business as much as possible.”

Government guidance says you no longer have to self-isolate after testing positive.

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However, it recommends trying to stay home for five days.

With the UUP conference due to get underway on Saturday morning it is unclear if the health minister will be well enough to attend the event.

However, a party spokesperson told the Irish News they are expecting Mr Nesbitt to be given the all clear by then.



They added there has been no change to Saturdays line up, but that contingency plans will be looked at if necessary.