Armstrong to lead initiative to attract more women into UUP

Diana Armstrong, ratified as deputy leader and the UUP's only female MLA, will lead a group to encourage more women into the party; the UUP says it will develop policy to boost female membership and examine practical barriers such as childcare.

Diana Armstrong has been ratified as deputy leader of the Ulster Unionist Party and will lead an initiative to grow the number of women in the party. She is currently the party's only female MLA. Armstrong said a policy will be put in place to bring more female membership and to recognise the qualities women bring to governance. Party leader Jon Burrows said the group will have conversations with women about how they can be better supported and about practical barriers such as childcare and caring responsibilities. Key facts: - Diana Armstrong was ratified as UUP deputy leader and is the party's only female MLA. - Armstrong will lead a group tasked with encouraging more women to join the party and to consider standing for office. - The party announced it will develop a policy aimed at increasing female membership and incorporating women's voices in decision-making. - Jon Burrows said the group will engage with women to identify practical obstacles, including childcare and caring responsibilities. - The UUP also stated a strategic objective to increase the number of young people alongside more female members and to engage the grassroots. Summary: The initiative represents a party effort to raise female participation and to address practical obstacles for prospective candidates. The group will engage with grassroots members and feed findings into party policy. Undetermined at this time.