Robin Swann has confirmed his plans to vacate his position as the Health Minister for Northern Ireland as soon as the general election commences. After powers were restored to Stormont, Swann, an MLA for North Antrim, was reinstated to his role. He served as Health Minister throughout the Covid-19 pandemic representing the UUP, his party.
Later this year, Swann will be vying for a position in South Antrim in the awaited general elections, as announced by the party. Current regulations prevent elected representatives from holding positions at both Stormont and Westminster simultaneously.
As per a report by the BBC, Swann disclosed that his resignation as Health Minister will be confirmed prior to the onset of the general election campaign. He stated during a Sunday Politics Northern Ireland interview that he wouldn’t continue in the role until the polling day, with the decision to be finalised by his party leader well before this date.
He also suggested that a probable successor to his role could be his party mate, Mike Nesbitt. Having resumed his position as Health Minister following the reinstatement of Stormont, Swann has affirmed his dedication to his role back in February. He stated that the UUP had already begun discussing succession for his position and further revealed that he aiming to be elected to Westminster to ensure the presence of an MP who truly grasps the workings of their health service.