ULSTER Unionist leader Mike Nesbitt has confirmed he will not be standing in next May's Westminster elections.
It had been reported that the former UTV anchorman could be a candidate in either East Belfast or South Belfast.
In recent weeks there has also been speculation -- partly fuelled by Mr Nesbitt -- that his wife Lynda Bryans, pictured, was considering standing in East Belfast.
However, Mr Nesbitt has stated that neither he nor his wife will be putting themselves forward.
"I can confirm that I am not currently considering running as a Westminster candidate in next year's general election," the Strangford MLA told The Irish News yesterday.
"I have consulted senior leadership colleagues, including party officers, and they feel it would be better that I lead the party here than competing to be an MP."
Mr Nesbitt added that the party is on schedule to select most if not all of our candidates before the end of the year.
In an interview with The Irish News last month, the Ulster Unionist leader conceded that elected representatives in East Belfast could be resistant to the idea of Ms Bryans's candidacy.
In the same interview he identified DUP-held South Antrim and Upper Bann as the constituencies where the UUP is most likely to take seats.