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Former business body boss quits Ukip for UUP

New UUP recruit Joe Jordan with party leader Mike Nesbitt
New UUP recruit Joe Jordan with party leader Mike Nesbitt New UUP recruit Joe Jordan with party leader Mike Nesbitt

THE former president of Belfast Chamber of Commerce has joined the Ulster Unionist Party little over a year after being unveiled as a high-profile Ukip recruit.

Joe Jordan, who in 2012 critcised Belfast City Council for voting to fly the Union flag on designated days in the run-up to Christmas, is the second notable defection from Ukip in recent weeks.

In September, Newry, Mourne and Down councillor Henry Reilly quit Ukip before subsequently joining Jim Allister's TUV.

Announcing that Mr Jordan was joining the UUP, party leader Mike Nesbitt described Mr Jordan as a "well respected member of our community".

He said the party had recently recruited representatives from the DUP and NI21 as well.

"Joe has vast experience in the world of business and I have asked him to liaise with the business community, looking at the practical issues that affect them on a daily basis," Mr Nesbitt said.

Mr Jordan said: "My roots are firmly in the business world and I want to be able to use my skills and experience to positive effect, where I have a better chance to influence policies on issues surrounding our town and city centres throughout the entire province which are in need of support and new thinking."