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Jon Burrows Launches UUP Leadership Bid with Diana Armstrong

1/8/2026

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Summary

Story summary

Jon Burrows, an MLA for North Antrim since July 2025, announced his bid to lead the UUP with Diana Armstrong as deputy.
Diana Armstrong, the UUP's only female MLA, is Burrows's running mate for deputy leader.
The UUP will hold an extraordinary general meeting on January 31 to elect leaders, with nominations due January 15.
Both candidates are co-opted MLAs, raising questions about their electoral credibility.

History

Historical Context

In 2005, David Trimble resigned as leader of the Ulster Unionist Party (UUP) after the party's poor performance in the general election, where it secured only 22.5% of the vote. This marked a significant leadership crisis, reflecting ongoing internal divisions. The subsequent leadership contest, the first under the new party constitution, highlighted the UUP's struggle for unity and relevance in Northern Ireland's evolving political landscape.

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Story summary

Jon Burrows, an MLA for North Antrim since July 2025, announced his bid to lead the UUP with Diana Armstrong as deputy.
Diana Armstrong, the UUP's only female MLA, is Burrows's running mate for deputy leader.
The UUP will hold an extraordinary general meeting on January 31 to elect leaders, with nominations due January 15.
Both candidates are co-opted MLAs, raising questions about their electoral credibility.

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