UUP leader Jon Burrows urges stronger unionist vote and Stormont reform

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.