Mike Nesbitt to contest UUP leadership
Mike Nesbitt is to enter the UUP leadership race.
The Strangford MLA is expected to formally launch his campaign at Stormont on Thursday.
John McCallister and Danny Kennedy will also contest the leadership of the party.
Lagan Valley MLA Basil McCrea has told the BBC he will not be seeking the UUP leadership, but would be backing Mr McCallister.
Candidates have until Friday to hand in their nomination papers, with the leadership election due on 31 March.
Mr Nesbitt's supporters say he has received the backing of four MLAS , two peers and a number of young unionists.