The Ulster Unionist Party has selected Councillor Kyle Savage as its candidate for Upper Bann in next May’s Assembly election.
The selection was confirmed by party leader Jon Burrows.
Former UUP Upper Bann MLA Doug Beattie quit the party in May, saying his position was no longer “tenable” and citing a “toxic atmosphere”. He now sits as an Independent.
The new candidate is a farmer, from Donaghcloney, who has twice served as Deputy Lord Mayor of Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon Borough Council. He has represented the Lagan River DEA for the past seven years.
Mr Burrows said he was “delighted” by the selection.
He added: “Kyle has represented the Lagan River DEA on Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon Borough Council since 2019, and in that time he has built a reputation as a hard working representative who knows this area and delivers for the people in it. He was selected by our members in Upper Bann because they know him, trust him and want him to be their voice at Stormont.
“This is a constituency that punches above its weight, and it deserves a representative who is part of a team working together to make Northern Ireland stronger and more successful. Kyle will be that representative, and he will have the full backing of the party behind him.
“We are building a confident, forward looking unionism that strengthens the Union by making Northern Ireland the most successful place it can be. Kyle Savage will be a key part of that, and I have no doubt he will be an outstanding MLA for Upper Bann.”
Councillor Savage – highlighting his own contribution to local government – set out his own stall as he prepares to stand.
“Upper Bann needs a bit of common sense,” he said. “Not more slogans – someone who is out on the ground, honest about what has not worked, and determined to win this seat for people here.
“I have served as a councillor since 2019. Long before that I put my own time into helping community groups across Upper Bann secure funding that developed local people, places and spaces. I know what this area can do when it is treated fairly.
“We have strong towns in Portadown, Lurgan and Banbridge, thriving rural communities, and a workforce that punches above its weight in agri-food, manufacturing and business. What they ask for is not complicated: apprenticeships that lead to real jobs at home, investment our towns and villages have earned, and services that work. Leaving Upper Bann should be a choice, not the only option.
“Fairness also means backing the people who keep this place going – families, farmers, small businesses – instead of leaving them to carry the risk while decisions are made elsewhere.
“Making Northern Ireland work is the central task of unionism. A Union that delivers security, opportunity and a fair chance for the next generation will always be stronger than a Union that is only defended in speeches.
“My job now is to meet people in every part of Upper Bann, hear what matters to them, and earn their vote.”
