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Jon Burrows becomes new leader of Ulster Unionist party after 'meteoric rise'

Jon Burrows, ratified at a Belfast party meeting, pledges to rebuild the Ulster Unionist Party and unite its members after rapid political rise from police officer to leader.

  • At a party meeting in Belfast on Saturday, Jon Burrows and Diana Armstrong were unanimously ratified as leader and deputy of the Ulster Unionist Party.
  • Rising quickly through media exposure, Burrows left the PSNI in 2021, was co‑opted to a North Antrim Assembly seat last year, and became one of the most outspoken MLAs in six months.
  • On policing and justice issues, Jon Burrows criticised other unionists for `strategic failures` over 20 years and condemned Police Ombudsman Marie Anderson while campaigning for prison dog Bailey.
  • Burrows urged unity, denying briefings against colleagues, while former UUP leader Mike Nesbitt praised a cohesive team and the SDLP leader noted a cross-party reform opportunity.
  • Looking to the future, Jon Burrows aims to grow the Ulster Unionist Party, offer clear choice to voters, and said there `may be times` to cooperate with other Unionist parties.
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11 Articles

Northern Ireland WorldNorthern Ireland World
Center

Mike Nesbitt rejects Ulster Unionist division rumours - saying 'there is no tension' among party's MLAs

​Mike Nesbitt says he has seen “nothing but a cohesive team” since it became clear that Jon Burrows would take over as UUP leader, just six months after becoming an MLA.

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Evening StandardEvening Standard
+3 Reposted by 3 other sources
Center

Former senior police officer has enjoyed meteoric rise to UUP leadership

Jon Burrows formerly served as a senior police officer in Northern Ireland.

·London, United Kingdom
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Belfast LiveBelfast Live
Center

Jon Burrows becomes new leader of Ulster Unionist party after 'meteoric rise'

Mr Burrows was co-opted to fill an Assembly seat vacancy in North Antrim last year

·Belfast, United Kingdom
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NewsLetter UKNewsLetter UK

Jon Burrows promises to put unionism 'back on the front foot' as he's installed as Ulster Unionist Party leader

Jon Burrows has said he wants to put unionism back on the front foot – and the Ulster Unionist Party ahead of its rivals – by focusing on fixing the problems Stormont has been unable to deliver on.

·Portadown, United Kingdom
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derrynow.comderrynow.com

New leader Jon Burrows wants UUP to ‘become biggest unionist party’

The new leader of the Ulster Unionist Party (UUP) Jon Burrows has said he is aiming to grow the party until it becomes the “biggest in unionism again&rdqu...

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Belfast TelegraphBelfast Telegraph

Jon Burrows has other unionist parties on alert, but he needs to unite fractured UUP ranks

Jon Burrows is the Ulster Unionist leader whom the DUP and TUV most fear.

·Belfast, United Kingdom
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  • 50% of the sources lean Left, 50% of the sources are Center
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Belfast Telegraph broke the news in Belfast, United Kingdom on Saturday, January 31, 2026.
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