Tom Elliott has been ratified as the Ulster Unionist Party (UUP) candidate in Fermanagh and South Tyrone in the June 8 general election.

In a repeat of the 2015 Westminster election battle in this constituency, a unionist electoral pact will see the Democratic Unionist Party (DUP) standing aside to allow Mr. Elliott a free run against Sinn Féin.

Following British Prime Minister Theresa May’s surprise general election announcement last week, it is not yet clear who else will stand for election in this constituency.

Last week, Sinn Féin’s Michelle Gildernew – who held the seat from 2001 to 2015, when Mr. Elliott succeeded by a margin of 530 votes – told The Impartial Reporter that she had not decided if she will run.

Writing in today’s Belfast Telegraph, DUP Leader Arlene Foster confirmed that the DUP will stand aside in Fermanagh and South Tyrone.

On Saturday, the new UUP Leader Robin Swann announced that the UUP would withdraw from the constituencies of North Belfast, West Belfast and Foyle.

Mrs. Foster welcomed this move and said she will meet the new UUP Leader Robin Swann today to discuss the forthcoming election.

Meanwhile, SDLP Leader Colum Eastwood, writing in today's Irish News, outlined that he has extended an invitation to parties who oppose a hard Brexit "to explore if there are grounds for co-operation to ensure that the pro-remain majority of Northern Ireland is reflected in this election." He has already discussed this idea with Green Party Leader Steven Agnew and Sinn Fein leader in Northern Ireland, Michelle O'Neill.