The Ulster Unionist Party has selected Councillor Kyle Savage as its candidate for the Upper Bann constituency in the next Assembly election, expected in May.

Savage, a farmer from Donaghcloney, has served on Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon Borough Council since 2019, representing the Lagan River District Electoral Area. He has also twice held the role of Deputy Lord Mayor of the borough.

Party leader Jon Burrows said Savage had built a reputation as a hard-working representative who delivers for the area. He added that party members selected Savage because they know and trust him, and believe he can be an effective voice at Stormont.

Burrows described Upper Bann as a constituency that punches above its weight and said it deserves a representative who is part of a team working to make Northern Ireland stronger and more successful. He said the party is building a confident, forward-looking unionism, and that Savage would be a key part of that effort.

Savage said Upper Bann needs common sense rather than slogans, and someone who is honest about what has not worked. He pointed to his record of helping community groups secure funding for local projects, and said he knows what the area can achieve when treated fairly.

He highlighted the towns of Portadown, Lurgan and Banbridge, along with rural communities, and said the workforce is strong in agri-food, manufacturing and business. He listed priorities including apprenticeships leading to real jobs, investment in towns and villages, and reliable services.

Savage also said fairness means backing families, farmers and small businesses, and that making Northern Ireland work is the central task of unionism. He stated that a union delivering security, opportunity and a fair chance for the next generation will be stronger than one defended only in speeches.

He pledged to meet people in every part of Upper Bann, listen to their concerns, and earn their vote in the upcoming election.