The Chairman of the Foyle Ulster Unionist Association Darren Guy has welcomed the expected confirmation of Jon Burrows as the party’s new leader at the end of the month.

The former Derry police commander was the only candidate to have put himself forward for the position by the time nominations closed at 5pm on Thursday.

Following the announcement by Mike Nesbitt that he would be standing down at UUP leader it had been anticipated that the party’s deputy leader Robbie Butler might challenge for the role.

However, Mr. Butler confirmed on Thursday his name would not be on the ballot paper.

Ald. Guy stated: “The Foyle Ulster Unionist Association welcomes the news that Jon Burrows is expected to become the next Leader of the Ulster Unionist Party at the specially convened Extraordinary General Meeting (EGM) on Saturday, January 31.

"While we are disappointed that the current Deputy Leader, Robbie Butler, or any other MLA chose not to put their name forward, as we would have valued the opportunity to see a leadership contest, this in no way diminishes Jon Burrows’ mandate or the confidence we have in his leadership."

The Chair of the local association referred to Mr. Burrows’ former career as a police officer in Derry.

"Despite his relatively limited political experience, Jon Burrows has already demonstrated that he is far from a shrinking violet during his time in the Assembly.

"His background in a highly scrutinised police service, where he regularly engaged with political representatives, will undoubtedly support his transition into this new role.

"We look forward to hearing our new Party Leader set out his vision for Northern Ireland, its people, the economy, and the future direction of the Ulster Unionist Party," said Ald. Guy.

Last August Mr. Burrows was co-opted to replace the former UUP councillor for Ballymena Colin Crawford as MLA for North Antrim.

Mr. Crawford had himself only become MLA for the constituency in July 2024 after being co-opted to take the place of Robin Swann who was elected to the Westminster parliament in the last General Election.

On Thursday the UUP said: “We can confirm that Jon Burrows MLA has successfully met the nomination threshold of 35 signatures from at least nine constituency associations and will stand as a candidate for Leader of the UUP.”