The Ulster Unionist Party has selected two candidates for next May's Assembly election in constituencies across the Ards and North Down area.

Councillor Richard Smart will contest Strangford, where current MLA Mike Nesbitt is stepping down after representing the area since 2011. Smart has been a councillor for Newtownards since 2014 and previously served as Mayor of Ards and North Down Borough Council.

Smart outlined priorities including attracting investment for local jobs, improving wastewater infrastructure to enable housebuilding, and securing better roads and transport funding. He said his background in community work has prepared him for the role.

Meanwhile, Councillor Pete Wray has been selected for North Down, where veteran politician Alan Chambers has held the seat. Chambers, 78, is the current Father of the House and has not yet announced whether he will seek re-election, potentially as an independent, or if the UUP will run two candidates.

Wray, a restorative practitioner and community worker in Bangor, said North Down is not receiving fair treatment from Stormont. He highlighted underfunded roads, the crisis at NI Water, and the need for regeneration in Bangor city centre through the Belfast Region City Deal. He also emphasised closing educational achievement gaps between areas like Kilcooley and Crawfordsburn, and supporting community safety initiatives.

UUP leader Jon Burrows praised Smart's record as a councillor, describing him as visible, accessible, and effective. Nesbitt expressed confidence in Smart's readiness, noting his long involvement in constituency work.

Both candidates will campaign on issues of infrastructure, economic opportunity, and local services as the Assembly election approaches.