UUP leader makes ‘big, broad offer’ to unionists as he criticises two decades of political leadership
Ulster Unionist Party Leader, North Antrim MLA Jon Burrows, speaking on Monday morning in the Great Hall at Stormont Parliament Buildings.
Monday 9 November 2026
Ulster Unionist Party leader Jon Burrows MLA has issued an open invitation to politicians from rival unionist parties to join the UUP, arguing that unionism needs new leadership after what he described as two decades of strategic mistakes.
Speaking in Stormont’s Great Hall on Monday morning, November 9, Mr Burrows made a direct appeal to unionist voters and elected representatives across Northern Ireland, saying his party was building a new political team and wanted those who shared its ambitions to become part of it.
The invitation goes beyond calls for greater cooperation between unionist parties, opening the door to elected representatives switching their political allegiance to the UUP.
Criticism of unionism’s political direction
Mr Burrows described the current period as a defining moment for unionism, delivering a critical assessment of how the movement has been led and the political opportunities he believes have been handed to Sinn Féin.
“This is a defining moment in unionism. I don’t think unionism has been particularly well led over the last two decades. There have been strategic gaffes and crocodile moments that have galvanised Sinn Féin, who I’m afraid are laughing at some of the errors unionism has made. We now need change.”
His reference to “crocodile moments” evokes the controversy surrounding former DUP leader Arlene Foster’s remarks about Irish-language legislation, which became a prominent issue during the political disputes that preceded the collapse of power-sharing in 2017.
Although Mr Burrows did not name individual politicians or parties in his criticism, his comments amount to a challenge to the direction of unionist politics and an appeal for representatives dissatisfied with that direction to consider joining the UUP.
An invitation to politicians across party lines
Setting out his recruitment appeal, Mr Burrows said:
“The Ulster Unionist Party is building a new team to lead unionism in the next chapter of our journey. This morning I want to make a big, broad offer to the unionist community at large, and to unionist politicians from other parties, that they should look to join us.”
The approach combines a call for cooperation across unionism with an ambition to strengthen the UUP itself, potentially by attracting representatives currently serving under other party banners.
Mr Burrows did not identify any politicians considering a move, indicate whether discussions had already taken place or announce any confirmed defections.
Health portfolio highlighted as evidence of delivery
The UUP leader also pointed to the work of party colleague Robbie Butler as Health Minister, presenting developments in healthcare as evidence of the leadership he wants his party to provide.
“The Ulster Unionist Party is already showing what that change looks like in government. Robbie Butler is doing tremendous work as Health Minister. He is lowering the bowel cancer screening age towards 50, has delivered a 24/7 thrombectomy service for stroke patients and has invested £1.95 million in endometriosis services.”
The examples highlighted by Mr Burrows cover three areas of healthcare: expanding bowel cancer screening eligibility, access to specialist stroke treatment and additional investment in services for women with endometriosis.
His comments also place the UUP's role in the Northern Ireland Executive at the centre of his argument that the party can offer a different approach to political leadership.
Cooperation and competition within unionism
Mr Burrows said he wanted greater cooperation among unionist parties while maintaining that a strengthened UUP should take a leading role in shaping unionism's future.
“I want to see more cooperation across unionism. But I believe a revitalised Ulster Unionist Party can provide the sure-footed leadership unionism needs: making Northern Ireland a success, outsmarting Sinn Féin and securing the Union for the long term.”
The appeal raises questions about how the UUP intends to balance cooperation with other unionist parties against its efforts to recruit their elected representatives.
It also places the question of political leadership firmly within the wider debate about unionism's future direction, with Mr Burrows seeking to position his party as a destination for those who want change.
Concluding his appeal, he said:
“I’m building a team to serve the people of Northern Ireland, and I would encourage anyone who shares that ambition to join us.”
The appeal signals Mr Burrows’ ambition to build a stronger, more influential Ulster Unionist Party, bringing together those who share his vision for “a more united, forward-looking unionism” and a renewed focus on Northern Ireland’s future.
