North Antrim MLA Burrows set to become new UUP leader

NORTH Antrim UUP MLA leader Jon Burrows looks set to be the new party leader after another potential leadership candidate Robbie Butler said  he will not be putting his name forward.

Nominations to succeed Mike Nesbitt are due to close today and currently the only contender in the leadership race is Mr Burrows.

Mr Butler has ended speculation that he would be putting his name in the hat, with a statement, saying: “When Mike informed us of his decision not to continue as party leader, I took time to engage with colleagues across the party."

"It quickly became clear that there was significant support for me to stand for the leadership.

"This support existed in every elected office of the Ulster Unionist Party and across its diverse membership, for this I will remain forever grateful.

"However, through those conversations it became apparent to me and my team that the direction many within the party now wish to pursue would be under a different leadership style and new focus.

"To this end I will not be offering my name for leader of the Ulster Unionist Party."

Speaking last week, when he announced his candidacy, Jon Burrows said:

“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.

“The Ulster Unionist Party helped build peace and stability. That achievement matters. But peace alone is no longer enough. Too many people feel our politics have stalled and drift from crisis to crisis, while the everyday concerns of families and businesses go unaddressed. It is time for political leadership that is straight-talking, service-driven, and solution focused.”