Today at 11 am, Jon Burrows formally signed into Stormont as the new Ulster Unionist MLA for North Antrim.

Jon Burrows said, “It is an absolute honour to be selected as the MLA for North Antrim, and I wish my predecessor, Colin Crawford, all the very best for the future. I have spoken to Colin in recent days, and it is clear to me he has a passion for both public service and for North Antrim.

“North Antrim occupies a special place in my heart, and I lived in the constituency for ten years when I was in the PSNI in Londonderry. I will serve all the constituents from every part of the constituency without exception, and it is already clear to me that there is pressing work to be done on a range of issues that really matter to local people. I will get started immediately on doing this important work. Having volunteered in a local food bank in recent years, I am only too aware of the hard realities that many people face and the extent of need in our local communities.

“My aim as an MLA is to be visible, accessible and responsive to the people of North Antrim. I look forward to working with the 4 excellent UUP councillors we have in the constituency and the local UUP association, who do fantastic and often unheralded work. I also look forward to providing rigorous scrutiny in the Assembly, which is vital to ensuring the highest quality of local government for all the people of Northern Ireland.

“It is an honour to once again serve the people of Northern Ireland after my career in policing. I believe in Northern Ireland and its people and will do whatever I can to make this a better place for everyone.”

Ulster Unionist Party Leader, Mike Nesbitt MLA, has welcomed Jon Burrows to Stormont as the latest Ulster Unionist MLA for North Antrim.

Mr Nesbitt said, “What’s done is done, and I again wish Colin Crawford the very best for the future. I see the immediate future for Jon as very exciting, with nearly two years to embed himself into his new role and make the seat his own.

“As a party of law and order, it should be no surprise that we often turn to those who have served their country when vacancies arise in elected politics. I welcome Jon as an ideal candidate. He has a wealth of experience, he is totally committed to this place that we all call home, and he has the energy an MLA needs to deliver for the people he represents. As someone who has worked and lived in North Antrim, I am beyond confident Jon will quickly embed himself again in the constituency.” 

Outgoing North Antrim Member, Colin Crawford, has wished Jon every success as he embarks on the new role.

Mr Crawford said, “I would like to warmly congratulate Jon Burrows on being selected as my replacement to represent the people of North Antrim. I wish Jon every success in his new role and offer him my full support and assistance as he takes up this important responsibility. Representing North Antrim has been a great honour, and I know Jon will bring his own strengths and commitment to the job.”