Ulster Unionist Party leadership election, March 1995

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The March 1995 Ulster Unionist Party leadership election occurred at the Annual Ganeral Meeting of the Ulster Unionist Council on March 18th 1995. The UUP has had a leadership election every March since at least 1973, and this is one of the few occasions when it has been contested.

[edit] Candidates

James H Molyneaux MP, incumbent leader since 1979
Lee Reynolds, a 21 year old student from Coleraine.

[edit] Results

Molyneaux - 521
Reynolds - 88
spoilt ballots - 10

Whilst Molyneaux won by a massive margin, the 15% of delegates who did not vote for him was seen as a substantial number. Two days later independent North Down MP, Sir James Kilfedder died in London and that the subsequent by-election was not won by the UUP was seen as further evidence of Molyneaux's failings as leader after 15 years. Molyneaux resigned on August 28th and was replaced in September.