Former DUP councillor Dr Kathryn Owen selected as UUP Assembly candidate

Dr Kathryn Owen with Ulster Unionist Party Leader Jon Burrows MLA

A former DUP councillor has been selected to contest Belfast South and Mid Down for the Ulster Unionist Party in next year’s Northern Ireland Assembly election.

Dr Kathryn Owen, a former RAF medic and healthcare professional, will stand for the UUP in the constituency after previously serving in local government as a DUP representative.

The selection represents a notable political switch ahead of the election, with UUP leader Jon Burrows describing Dr Owen’s move to the party as a return “home”.

Former councillor enters Assembly race

Dr Owen has a PhD in cardiovascular medicine and currently works as a Senior Health Official in public health.

Her background also includes service as an RAF medic, while during her time as a councillor she was involved in health issues, including advocacy for hospitals and healthcare staff during the Covid-19 pandemic.

Announcing her selection, Ulster Unionist Party leader Jon Burrows MLA said:

“I am delighted to welcome Dr Kathryn Owen as our Ulster Unionist Party candidate for Belfast South and Mid Down.

“Kathryn brings a remarkable record of public service. She is a former RAF medic, a healthcare professional with a PhD in cardiovascular medicine, and is currently a Senior Health Official working in public health.

“As a councillor she was widely respected for her commitment to her community and her ability to get things done, and during the pandemic she was a determined advocate for our local hospitals and the staff working under immense pressure.”

UUP leader highlights move from DUP

Mr Burrows placed particular emphasis on Dr Owen joining the UUP, presenting the selection as evidence of what he described as growing momentum behind the party.

He said:

“I am particularly proud that Kathryn has come home to the Ulster Unionist Party. Her decision reflects the momentum now building behind us, and our ability to attract talented, credible people who share our vision: a confident, forward-looking unionism that strengthens the Union by making Northern Ireland the most successful place it can be.

“She has served her country, served our health service and served her community. I have no doubt she will be an outstanding MLA and a powerful voice for the people of Belfast South and Mid Down.”

The claims about party momentum and Dr Owen’s prospective performance as an MLA are the UUP leader’s political assessment ahead of the election.

Owen pledges focus on health and public services

Confirming her candidacy, Dr Owen said she wanted to use her experience in healthcare, public service and local government at Stormont.

She said:

“I am delighted to have been selected as the Ulster Unionist Party candidate for Belfast South and Mid Down.

“This is an area I know well, with roots right across the constituency, and it is a place I am proud to call home. I want to bring my experience in health, public service and local government to the Assembly. I believe good politics starts with listening, focusing on the issues that matter to people and delivering practical results.”

Dr Owen added:

“I am proud to be standing for a party that represents a confident and constructive unionism, and that wants to strengthen Northern Ireland through good government and strong public services. Over the months ahead, I look forward to getting out across the constituency, listening to local people and representing their voices.”

Her selection puts another candidate in place ahead of the 2027 Assembly election campaign, with parties beginning to position their teams for the contest in Belfast South and Mid Down.