UUP leader Jon Burrows urges stronger unionist vote and Stormont reform
Speaking at his first UUP conference, Jon Burrows said the party must inspire voters, win back former supporters and focus on local issues such as housing. He challenged First Minister Michelle O’Neill to a head-to-head debate on Irish unity, arguing the United Kingdom has a more compelling case. Burrows also called for a peaceful, permanent solution to the Drumcree parade dispute on the Garvaghy Road and urged reforms that would stop any single party from toppling the Assembly.
At the Ulster Unionist Party’s inaugural conference under Jon Burrows, the former police officer-turned-politician outlined a strategy to revive unionist participation by offering voters clear policies on housing, stronger families and communities. He pressed First Minister Michelle O’Neill to accept a direct debate on Irish unity, claiming the UK side can present a stronger argument. Burrows expressed a desire for a lasting, non-violent resolution to the Drumcree parade controversy in Portadown, recalling past sectarian violence.
He advocated equalising the titles of First Minister and deputy First Minister and overhauling Stormont’s procedures to prevent future collapses. Emphasising unionist cooperation, he said the priority is to boost turnout, maximise transfers and attract long-dormant unionist voters ahead of the next Assembly election.
