Matthew Robinson selected as UUP candidate for East Londonderry Assembly election

Matthew Robinson, the Ulster Unionist Party’s candidate for East Londonderry

Saturday 10 October 2026

Portstewart resident Matthew Robinson has been selected as the Ulster Unionist Party’s candidate for East Londonderry in next May’s Northern Ireland Assembly election, pledging to champion local businesses, farming, education and health services across the constituency.

The former chairman of the Northern Ireland Conservative Party will contest the election for the UUP under the leadership of Jon Burrows MLA, with a campaign focused on economic growth, public services and what he describes as a more pragmatic approach to unionism.

Robinson has a legal background, holding an LLB and an LLM with a focus on constitutional law. He is also a director at the Euro-Gulf Information Centre think tank and previously worked as a policy adviser in the European Parliament.

Investment and public services among priorities

Following his selection, Robinson said East Londonderry had considerable economic potential but argued that the constituency had not received the investment and attention it deserved.

He highlighted the importance of tourism, including major international events such as The Open Championship at Royal Portrush and the North West 200, alongside the contribution of local farmers, small businesses and hospitality employers.

Robinson said:

“I will work tirelessly to champion the interests of our farmers, small businesses and hospitality sector, all of which are vital to the economic prosperity of East Londonderry. Our farmers are the backbone of our rural economy, while our small businesses and hospitality industry provide jobs, opportunities and investment across the constituency. They deserve a strong voice at Stormont, and I intend to be that voice and stand in their corner.”

He also identified the future of further and higher education provision in Coleraine, together with local hospital services, as important issues for the constituency.

“Safeguarding the future of Ulster University and Northern Regional College’s campuses in Coleraine, alongside strengthening services at Causeway Hospital, must also be a priority.”

A different approach to unionism

Robinson's selection brings a candidate with previous Conservative Party leadership experience into the Ulster Unionist campaign in East Londonderry.

Explaining his political outlook, he said he wanted to promote a form of unionism centred on economic prosperity, effective government and opportunities for younger generations.

“I joined the Ulster Unionist Party because I believe in a confident, forward-looking and pragmatic unionism, one that brings people together rather than drives them apart. We secure our place in the Union not by harking back to the tribal politics of the past, but by focusing relentlessly on economic growth, prosperity and making Northern Ireland work for everyone. A Northern Ireland where future generations want to stay, build successful careers, raise families and fulfil their potential.”

He said his professional experience had reinforced the importance of evidence-based decisions and good governance, which he hoped to bring to Stormont if elected.

Party leader welcomes selection

Ulster Unionist leader Jon Burrows MLA with the party’s East Londonderry Matthew Robinson

Ulster Unionist leader Jon Burrows MLA welcomed Robinson's candidacy, pointing to his legal qualifications, international policy experience and political background.

Burrows said:

“Matthew is legally trained holding both an LLB and an LLM, a director at the Euro-Gulf Information Centre think-tank and served previously as a policy adviser in the European Parliament. He brings real depth in constitutional law, international affairs and political organisation, and he has spent his career making the case for a positive, pro-Union politics focused on economic growth.”

He added:

“He lives in Portstewart, and he is standing in the place he calls home. East Londonderry deserves a representative who will argue its case with confidence and competence, and who understands that the Union is strengthened by making Northern Ireland work.”

Focus turns to Assembly election

Robinson's selection establishes the UUP's candidate for the East Londonderry contest ahead of the scheduled May 2027 Assembly election.

The constituency includes Coleraine, Limavady, Portstewart and surrounding communities, with issues surrounding healthcare, education, rural livelihoods and economic development likely to feature in the campaign.

For Robinson, the challenge will be to translate his promises on investment, public services and political renewal into electoral support, as voters consider who should represent East Londonderry at Stormont for the next Assembly term.