Former police officer Jon Burrows begins new chapter at Stormont

New UUP MLA for North Antrim, Jon Burrows, signed the Roll of Members today in the presence of Deputy Speaker Blair and the Clerk / Chief Executive of the Assembly, Lesley Hogg. Mr Burrows replaced Colin Crawford.

Former senior PSNI officer pledges to be “visible, accessible and responsive” as he steps into new political role

Jon Burrows has officially taken his seat in the Northern Ireland Assembly today (4 August), signing in as the new Ulster Unionist MLA for North Antrim during a formal ceremony at Stormont.

Mr Burrows replaces Colin Crawford, who recently stepped down. The appointment sees the former senior PSNI officer return to public service—this time in a political capacity.

“An absolute honour” to represent North Antrim

Speaking after signing in, Mr Burrows said:

“It is an absolute honour to be selected as the MLA for North Antrim, and I wish my predecessor, Colin Crawford, all the very best for the future. I have spoken to Colin in recent days, and it is clear to me he has a passion for both public service and for North Antrim.”

Mr Burrows, who previously lived in the constituency for a decade while working in Londonderry, expressed a deep connection to the area:

“North Antrim occupies a special place in my heart… I will serve all the constituents from every part of the constituency without exception, and it is already clear to me that there is pressing work to be done on a range of issues that really matter to local people.”

Highlighting his volunteer work at a local food bank, he added:

“I am only too aware of the hard realities that many people face and the extent of need in our local communities.”

A pledge to deliver and scrutinise

Setting out his priorities, Mr Burrows committed to being:

“visible, accessible and responsive to the people of North Antrim.”

He praised the work of the Ulster Unionist councillors and local party association, and emphasised his aim to provide:

“rigorous scrutiny in the Assembly, which is vital to ensuring the highest quality of local government for all the people of Northern Ireland.”

He concluded:

“It is an honour to once again serve the people of Northern Ireland after my career in policing. I believe in Northern Ireland and its people and will do whatever I can to make this a better place for everyone.”

UUP leader Mike Nesbitt: “An ideal candidate”

Ulster Unionist Party Leader Mike Nesbitt MLA welcomed Mr Burrows, praising his background and readiness to serve.

“What’s done is done, and I again wish Colin Crawford the very best for the future. I see the immediate future for Jon as very exciting, with nearly two years to embed himself into his new role and make the seat his own.”

Mr Nesbitt added:

“As a party of law and order, it should be no surprise that we often turn to those who have served their country when vacancies arise in elected politics. I welcome Jon as an ideal candidate… he has the energy an MLA needs to deliver for the people he represents.”

Colin Crawford: “A great honour to represent North Antrim”

Outgoing MLA Colin Crawford

Outgoing MLA Colin Crawford also gave his full backing to Mr Burrows.

“I would like to warmly congratulate Jon Burrows on being selected as my replacement to represent the people of North Antrim. I wish Jon every success in his new role and offer him my full support and assistance as he takes up this important responsibility.

“Representing North Antrim has been a great honour, and I know Jon will bring his own strengths and commitment to the job.”