Belfast UUP councillor Jim Rodgers has been referred to the party’s disciplinary committee over leaflets attacking the Alliance Party.

Ulster Unionist leader Robin Swann has withdrawn the whip from the veteran councillor amid the row within the party.

“We’ll see what actions will fall from that,” Mr Swann said, confirming his decision on Monday.

VIDEO: UTV Political Editor Ken Reid on the latest developments

Some UUP councillors who lost their seats in the local election have blamed pamphlets distributed as part of campaigning in support of Mr Rodgers and his running mate Peter Johnston.

The controversial leaflets tried to link the Alliance Party to Sinn Féin and the Provisional IRA.

“Their record shows time and time again they vote with the Provisional IRA’s political wing,” the leaflet read.

While Mr Rodgers managed to retain his seat, Mr Johnston was not elected and the party suffered heavily in terms of representation on Belfast City Council.

Just two councillors were returned in Belfast and now disciplinary action looms for one of them.

After a disappointing showing across Northern Ireland, the UUP lost 13 seats and now holds 75 at council level.