Mike Nesbitt resigns as Stormont Health Minister
Mike Nesbitt has resigned as Northern Ireland's Health Minister following a policy disagreement with UUP leader Jon Burrows regarding emergency surgery services at Causeway Hospital. Burrows is expected to name a successor within 24 hours.
Why it matters
The resignation creates political instability within the Northern Ireland Executive and highlights ongoing tensions regarding regional healthcare service consolidation.
Stormont's Health Minister has resigned following a policy clash with his party leader.
Mike Nesbitt announced he was standing down yesterday evening.
It follows a difference of opinion with Ulster Unionist leader Jon Burrows over services at one of Northern Ireland's regional hospitals.
The row centres on the provision of emergency general surgery at the Causeway Hospital, Coleraine, close to Mr Burrows' North Antrim constituency.
A decision to remove the service caused local controversy.
Mr Burrows told a town hall meeting that he opposed the move.
It appeared to put him at odds with Department of Health policy on the issue.
Mr Burrows has pledged to name his party's new Stormont Health Minister tomorrow, and declined to rule himself out of contention for the now vacant portfolio.
"Within 24 hours you’ll know who the next Health Minister is going to be," the UUP leader told reporters at Stormont.
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