Jon Burrows says Stormont needs ‘fresh talent’

Ulster Unionist Party (UUP) MLA Jon Burrows has criticised a “parochial” suggestion that he is untested for leadership due to being co-opted into his seat.

The former senior police officer announced his candidacy at a press conference at Stormont during the week.

There has been speculation about whether the party’s current deputy leader, Robbie Butler, will consider a run before the closure of nominations on Thursday or back Mr Burrows.

Mr Burrows insisted that he would welcome a contest and stressed that there would be “nothing negative” from his campaign.

He added: “Anyone who publishes or says that my camp have briefed against Robbie Butler or anywhere else – I will challenge them.”

Asked on BBC Northern Ireland’s Sunday Politics if he wanted a contest for democratic legitimacy given he had been co-opted into his seat in North Antrim, Mr Burrows said that was outside of his control and the “legitimate” system of co-option had to be respected.

Current leader Mike Nesbitt said earlier this month he intends to step down as leader to allow someone new to take the UUP into the next Assembly elections, expected next year.

He has been leader twice, with his first term coming 11 months after being elected an MLA.

The Strangford MLA and Health Minister will remain in charge until an extraordinary general meeting on January 31, where members will elect a new leader and deputy.

Asked about comments from Mr Nesbitt that his own first term as leader came “ridiculously early”, Mr Burrows – who was elected as an MLA in August – set out a vision for “renewal” and “competency” within the party and in Northern Ireland politics.

“The Ulster Unionist Party is looking for talent. The Ulster Unionist Party is prepared to see a bright new future.”

He added: “What a statement it is that you can join the Ulster Unionist Party, be on the MLA team, and be in a position to go for leadership.”

Asked if he was untested, Mr Burrows described that as a “parochial view” by some in politics and the media.

He said people in private industry often moved across sectors with transferrable skills, adding there was a need for “fresh talent” in Stormont.

Mr Burrows was further pressed on other previous comments from Mr Nesbitt when asked whether he could succeed him as leader.

The current party leader said last year it had been agreed that if Mr Burrows was co-opted into North Antrim that he would need to be focused on wining the seat in 2027.

Asked if that had changed due to his focus on the leadership race, he said he “was not going back on any agreement” and that delivering for North Antrim will always be his priority.

He added that he would not “ever” give himself a ministerial position as party leader.

On that matter, Mr Burrows was asked to explain if a UUP health minister would be free to make their own decisions given that he has previously said he had “red lines” on health policy.

He said it would “of course be the health minister” running the Department, but said he would not comment on who would be appointed.

Asked about his decision to speak at a Traditional Unionist Voice conference last year before he became a UUP politician, Mr Burrows said he never considered running for the TUV and was there to speak on policing.

Asked if he would speak at a Sinn Fein ard fheis if elected UUP leader, he said he would “speak anywhere”.

Mr Burrows was also critical of Northern Ireland local representatives using time in council chambers to discuss international affairs and “symbolism” rather than “actually doing their job”.