UUP’s Robbie Butler to become next health minister

UUP MLA Robbie Butler is set to be named as the next health minister.The Lagan Valley representative will succeed Mike Nesbitt following his resignation on Tuesday.Mr Nesbitt, who led the party on two separate occasions, stepped down following a fallout with leader Jon Burrows over the proposed withdrawal of emergency general surgery from Causeway Hospital in Coleraine.Mr Burrows said he did not support the removal of the services during a townhall meeting last week.DUP Health Spokesperson Diane Dodds said there can be ‘no time for a lengthy settling-in period’.She said: “I have already wished Robbie Butler well in his new role. Regardless of the political circumstances, he takes office with an enormous in-tray and there can be no time for a lengthy settling-in period.“Our health service f