FLEDGLING Ulster Unionist leader Steve Aiken is to run against the DUP's Sammy Wilson in East Antrim in what is shaping up to be a intra-unionist Remain versus Brexit contest.
The South Antrim MLA, who officially succeeded Robin Swann as UUP leader last Saturday, will be seeking to overturn a majority of almost 16,000.
In his acceptance speech, Mr Aiken said that if the entire UK could not leave the EU on the same terms, then Brexit should be abandoned.
Meanwhile, the UUP candidate in North Down will be MLA Alan Chambers.
In the past two general elections, the party has opted not to contest the seat, which has been held since 2001 by former Ulster Unionist Lady Sylvia Hermon.
Lady Hermon's decision not to run has increased the likelihood of a victory for the DUP, whose Alex Easton came within 1,208 votes of the independent unionist at the last Westminster election.
