Tories considered merging with Ulster Unionists
By politics.co.uk staff
The Conservatives suggested merging with the Ulster Unionists (UUP) according to documents obtained by the BBC.
The plan would have seen a party called the Northern Ireland Conservative and Unionist Party – known as NICUP – established in Northern Ireland.
David Cameron would have remained leader while Sir Reg Empey would have become as treasurer.
But the Ulster Unionists rejected the offer, suggesting the parties form an electoral alliance instead.
The details are in a draft report presented to the UUP at the beginning of inter-party negotiations last year.
