Russell Watton has been appointed as the new leader of the Progressive Unionist Party.
The Coleraine councillor replaces Billy Hutchinson, who stepped down after losing his seat on Belfast City Council in last month's local government election.
Mr Hutchinson, who had been PUP leader since 2011, has been appointed as party president.
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It follows a bruising council election for the party with Mr Watton now holding their only seat after losing two in Belfast.
Mr Hutchinson lost out in the Court area and the party did not field a candidate in Titanic where John Kyle had been elected before joining the Ulster Unionists.
In a post online, PUP said: "At the recent Progressive Unionist Party officers' meeting, Billy Hutchinson announced his decision to step down as party leader.
"Billy then proposed that current deputy leader, Councillor Russell Watton, fill the leadership position, and this was unanimously supported by the party officers.
"Russell has graciously accepted the proposal and consequently, as of Wednesday June 14 2023, Councillor Russell Watton is the new leader of the Progressive Unionist Party of NI.
"Councillor Watton is both well-known as well as highly respected, his willingness to speak out and challenge injustices felt by his community shows true courage and strength."
The party added: "Furthermore, we are pleased to announce that Billy Hutchinson has accepted an invitation from the membership to accept the position of party president which had previously been held by the late Hugh Smyth.
"This is an honorary role that befits someone of Billy's standing, a founding member of the party and someone who has worked tirelessly over many years, for his community, on behalf of the PUP.
"The entire party membership wish both Billy and Russell well in their new roles."
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