UUP Leader-Elect Jon Burrows MLA pledges pragmatic, service-focused Unionism

Ulster Unionist Party Leader-Elect Jon Burrows MLA speaking at the 2025 Ulster Unionist Party conference

Ulster Unionist Party Leader-Elect Jon Burrows MLA has spoken of his pride, renewed energy and sense of duty after being formally nominated as a candidate to succeed Mike Nesbitt MLA as party leader, as the Ulster Unionist Party enters the next phase of its leadership transition.

Reflecting on his nomination on Friday 16 January, Mr Burrows set out a vision of a “strong, confident, and pragmatic” Ulster Unionist Party, rooted in public service, evidence-based policy and a renewed focus on reconnecting politics with ordinary people across Northern Ireland.

“I joined the Ulster Unionist Party because I believed in its unique blend of passionate unionism and pragmatic politics,” he said.

Mr Burrows, who previously served in the Police Service of Northern Ireland, drew a direct link between his professional background and his political values, highlighting a continued commitment to service and integrity.

“The Ulster Unionist Party is rooted in a deep sense of duty, selflessness, and service to the people of Northern Ireland, always committed to doing what is right for them. These values mirror the principles that drove my career in the PSNI, where I served with integrity to protect communities and uphold the rule of law day in and day out,” he said.

In a statement that underscores the party’s emphasis on representation across all levels of government, Mr Burrows praised the work of Ulster Unionist representatives across Northern Ireland.

“The Ulster Unionist Party is a party with dedicated, driven public representatives in every chamber, tirelessly advocating for Northern Ireland.”

‘Immense pride and renewed energy’

Acknowledging the significance of his nomination, Mr Burrows said being selected as a leadership candidate had strengthened his resolve to deliver for voters during a challenging period for the region.

“To be the candidate for leadership fills me with immense pride and renewed energy. The people of Northern Ireland deserve a strong, confident, and pragmatic Ulster Unionist Party, one that delivers for them, addresses the current challenges in Northern Ireland with honesty, and strengthens the Union in the long term.

“Politics across Northern Ireland needs to reconnect with ordinary people and be relentlessly focused on bettering their lives.”

He also paid tribute to outgoing leader Mike Nesbitt MLA, under whom he has served, describing him as “a natural leader who cares profoundly about both the Union and our party”.

“I feel privileged to have served under Mike Nesbitt, a natural leader who cares profoundly about both the Union and our party. When Mike decided to step down, I was overwhelmed by the widespread support from every corner of the party for assured, coherent, and positive leadership, leadership passionate about the Union and our people.”

Mr Burrows said his decision to seek the leadership stemmed from a belief that the party now needs clarity, confidence and a practical approach to policy.

“It felt right to step up, because I want to lead a party that is confident, clear, solution focused, and whose policies are anchored in common sense and evidence, not ideology.”

Renewing the party and widening participation

Positioning himself as both a newcomer to elected politics and an experienced public servant, Mr Burrows said he intends to bring “fresh energy” while respecting the party’s long-standing traditions.

“As a relative newcomer to public representation elected politics but with deep public service experience, I bring fresh energy to renew our party at all levels, while honouring its proud traditions of service, honesty, and pragmatism.”

He also set out a commitment to broadening participation in unionist politics, particularly among under-represented groups.

“I am determined to break down barriers and attract more women and young people to our politics, and I look forward to developing plans to achieve both.”

Mr Burrows confirmed that Diana Armstrong MLA will stand alongside him as part of a joint leadership team, describing her as a close colleague and friend.

“I am delighted to be joined by my dear friend and colleague Diana Armstrong MLA, someone driven by service, positivity, and commitment to rural communities and meaningful change. Together, we will provide the united, dynamic leadership our party needs.”

Focus on health, economy and the Union

Looking ahead to the coming weeks, Mr Burrows said he plans to engage directly with party members, colleagues and the wider public to outline his vision for a revitalised and election-ready Ulster Unionist Party.

“In the coming days and weeks, I look forward to engaging with colleagues, members, and the public to share my vision for a revitalised and election-ready Ulster Unionist Party, one that tackles health, education, and economic challenges head on; rebuilds trust; combats the Windsor Framework; and champions a positive future for the Union and Northern Ireland.”

He added: “We have much to be proud of in Northern Ireland, but there is also much to address, and that task is urgent.

“I am enthusiastic about the next chapter of Ulster Unionism and honoured to lead it forward.”

Leadership transition process

In a separate update, a party spokesperson confirmed that Mr Burrows has successfully met the nomination threshold required to stand for leadership.

“Following the announcement that Mike Nesbitt MLA would be standing down as Leader of the Ulster Unionist Party, the Party initiated its leadership transition process, beginning with the opening of nominations. Nominations officially closed at 5pm today.”

“We can confirm that Jon Burrows MLA has successfully met the nomination threshold of 35 signatures from at least nine constituency associations and will stand as a candidate for Leader of the Ulster Unionist Party.”

The spokesperson added that the Party Management Board will now move to finalise the next steps.

“The Party will now move to the next stage of the leadership transition. The Party Management Board will meet to agree the next steps and finalise arrangements for leadership engagements and for the Extraordinary General Meeting scheduled for 31 January 2026.”

“Mike Nesbitt MLA will continue as Party Leader until a new leader is formally ratified.”