Burrows announces senior leadership team as Ulster Unionists reaffirm Executive commitment

Ulster Unionist Party Leader-Elect Jon Burrows MLA, giving a press conference today at Stormont, alongside party colleagues Diana Armstrong and Mike Nesbitt

Ulster Unionist Party Leader-Elect Jon Burrows MLA has announced his senior leadership team at the Northern Ireland Assembly today, Monday 26 January, ahead of his formal ratification as party leader this Saturday.

In a move designed to underline stability and continuity, Mr Burrows confirmed that the Ulster Unionist Party will remain within the Northern Ireland Executive, with Mike Nesbitt MLA continuing in his role as Health Minister.

Diana Armstrong MLA has also been appointed as the party’s Chief Whip, alongside her existing responsibilities as Deputy Leader.

The announcement comes at a pivotal moment for the party, as it seeks to reassert its relevance within devolved government while addressing ongoing pressures on public services, particularly within health.

Setting out his vision, Mr Burrows said the party’s approach was grounded in public service and responsibility.

“The Ulster Unionist Party is rooted in a deep sense of duty, selflessness, and service to the people of Northern Ireland. We remain steadfast in our commitment to doing what is right for them. That is why today I am reaffirming our commitment to remaining in the Northern Ireland Executive, with Mike Nesbitt MLA continuing as Health Minister.”

Mr Burrows paid particular tribute to Mr Nesbitt’s record in the health portfolio, at a time when the service continues to face significant operational and financial strain.

“Mike has shown visible and effective leadership in guiding the Health Service through one of its most challenging periods, delivering pay awards for health workers, finding £300 million in savings and driving down waiting lists.”

With the Executive now entering its third year since restoration, Mr Burrows signalled a renewed emphasis on reform and long-term planning within the health system.

“As we enter the third year since the restoration of the Executive, our renewed focus is on making the Health Service deliver where it matters. Long term transformation is now under way.

“Prioritising prevention and early intervention will improve outcomes and secure long term sustainability. This means putting a particular emphasis on keeping healthy people healthy, especially our children.”

The appointment of Diana Armstrong MLA as Chief Whip is also seen as a key step in strengthening internal discipline and unity within the party, while maintaining close links with the wider pro-Union electorate.

Announcing her expanded role, Mr Burrows said:

“I am also pleased that Diana Armstrong MLA will take on the role of Party Chief Whip in addition to her role as Deputy Leader. Diana is a trusted and valued colleague within the Party and across the wider pro Union community.”

He added that the leadership team would focus on delivering tangible outcomes for voters and improving confidence in politics.

“Together, we will provide the united and dynamic leadership our Party needs, focused on strengthening the Union, fixing public services and driving change in how politics is delivered here”.

For party members and supporters, the announcement is intended to project clarity of purpose and a renewed sense of direction, as the Ulster Unionists seek to balance constitutional priorities with the day-to-day concerns of public service delivery across Northern Ireland.