Ulster Unionist MLA Jon Burrows, alongside MLA Diana Armstrong who is backing his bid and running to be deputy leader herself, on steps of Parliament Buildings (David Young/PA)Current deputy leader Robbie Butler ruled himself out earlier in the day. Mr Burrows is expected to be formally ratified at an extraordinary general meeting of the party on January 31. “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 paid tribute to Mr Nesbitt as a “natural leader who cares profoundly about both the union and our party”. “We have much to be proud of in Northern Ireland, but there is also much to address, and that task is urgent.

Source: The Herald January 16, 2026 17:43 UTC