Robin Swann lined up for South Antrim election bid

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Robin SwannImage source, Peter Morrison/PA
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Robin Swann is a former Ulster Unionist Party leader

Former Stormont health minister Robin Swann looks set to switch constituencies in the next general election.

He is moving from North to South Antrim in a bid to unseat Democratic Unionist Party MP Paul Girvan.

Ulster Unionist Party leader Doug Beattie will propose the move at a selection convention next week.

The party won the seat in South Antrim in 2015, through Danny Kinahan, but lost it two years later.

Mr Beattie said Mr Swann had put his name forward to stand as the candidate for South Antrim after "structured conversations with myself".

"He will now go before the association for selection," Mr Beattie added.

"Robin is an exceptional candidate with the depth of knowledge needed to represent South Antrim at Westminster."

Prime Minister Rishi Sunak has said he expects to call a general election "in the second half" of 2024.