UUP MLA Jon Burrows announces leadership bid as party faces ‘once-in-a-generation’ renewal moment

Ulster Unionist Party North Antrim MLA Jon Burrows speaking at the party’s annual conference in 2025

Ulster Unionist Party (UUP) MLA for North Antrim Jon Burrows has formally announced his candidacy for the leadership of the party, setting out an agenda of renewal, reform and what he describes as “straight-talking, service-driven” politics aimed at reconnecting with voters across Northern Ireland.

In a statement issued on Thursday, 8 January 2026, Mr Burrows said his decision was rooted in “decades of leadership and public service” and a belief that both the party and the wider political system required urgent change.

“Strong leadership and real change are necessary in both this Party and in our wider politics to reconnect with the electorate, arrest stagnation, and deliver solutions for the people of Northern Ireland,” he said.

Reflecting on the Ulster Unionist Party’s historic role, Mr Burrows acknowledged its contribution to peace and stability, but argued that voters are increasingly frustrated by political inertia and recurring crises.

“The Ulster Unionist Party helped build peace and stability. That achievement matters. But peace alone is no longer enough,” he said, adding that many families and businesses feel their everyday concerns are being overlooked.

Mr Burrows presented himself as a confident advocate of the Union, while stressing that effective Unionism must be rooted in delivery rather than grievance.

“Strong Unionism is not about volume or grievance. It is about confidence, credibility, and delivery. The strongest case for the Union is making Northern Ireland work better for everyone who lives here,” he said.

Focus on Economy, Public Services and Reform

Outlining his policy priorities, Mr Burrows highlighted Northern Ireland’s economic strengths in sectors such as fintech, aerospace, cyber security and agri-food, while warning that poor policy and lack of reform continue to hold back growth.

He pointed to what he described as a stark contradiction between low unemployment and record levels of economic inactivity, saying: “That contradiction needs addressed.”

Public services, infrastructure and living costs were also central to his message, with Mr Burrows arguing that political debate has too often been diverted away from core domestic issues.

“Public services are under severe strain. Infrastructure is crumbling. Many families struggle with the cost of living,” he said, adding that Northern Ireland’s justice system is “the slowest and weakest in the United Kingdom”.

Under his leadership, he pledged that the UUP would focus relentlessly on competence, value for money and improved public services, while positioning the party as a home for those who reject sectarianism but remain committed to the Union.

Renewing the party’s internal culture also featured prominently, with Mr Burrows calling for greater engagement with grassroots members and a stronger effort to attract women and younger people.

“One female MLA out of nine is not good enough. I will address these issues with urgency,” he said, adding that it was “time to rebuild Team UUP”.

Diana Armstrong Named as Deputy Leadership Candidate

Ulster Unionist Party MLA for Fermanagh and South Tyrone, Diana Armstrong

As part of his leadership bid, Mr Burrows confirmed that Diana Armstrong MLA will stand alongside him as his candidate for Deputy Leader, praising her experience in public service, business and rural representation.

“Diana is an outstanding public servant who is a proven politician, a successful entrepreneur, and has a deep connection with rural Northern Ireland,” he said.

Ms Armstrong, the MLA for Fermanagh and South Tyrone, said she was “proud to announce” her candidacy for Deputy Leader, describing the nomination as a historic moment for the party.

“I do not underestimate the significance of being nominated as the first female Deputy Leader in the 101 year history of the Ulster Unionist Party,” she said, calling it both “a responsibility and an honour”.

She said her focus would be on representing those who feel unheard, particularly women, rural communities and people in the west of Northern Ireland.

“My message then, as now, was to provide representation for those who feel voiceless,” she said, adding that under new leadership the party would be “ready to put Stormont to the test to deliver”.

Ms Armstrong described the leadership contest as “a once in a generation opportunity” for the UUP to renew its purpose and restore public trust, committing to serve with “energy, with integrity and total dedication”.

Mr Burrows also paid tribute to outgoing leader Mike Nesbitt MLA, saying he had given him his “full support” and would back any leader chosen by the party membership.