UUP conference: Nesbitt confirmed as new party leader

The former broadcaster took over the leadership of the UUP in March 2012 when Tom Elliott resigned after just 18 months in the post.

Nesbitt is known for his long and high-profile career as a television news presenter.

He was born in Belfast in 1957, attended Campbell College and ran 400 meter hurdles for an Irish Schools athletics team.

He became a sports presenter on the BBC and also presented the flagship radio show Good Morning Ulster.

At UTV, he anchored the evening newscast for 10 years, during which time he co-anchored with his wife, Lynda Bryans.

In 2008 he was appointed Victims’ Commissioner, a role aimed at representing the interests of victims of the riots.

However, he left the commission when he joined the Ulster Unionists in 2010.

He stood for the Ulster Conservatives and Unionists – New Force in the 2010 Westminster election, but was defeated by the DUP candidate Jim Shannon.

Nesbitt was elected to the Northern Ireland Assembly in 2011, representing Strangford.