Letter: I’m firmly behind Jon Burrows and Diana Armstrong - now the focus must be on preparing for the 2027 elections
A letter from Michael Palmer:
As a member of the Ulster Unionist Party, I confirm I will be supporting the leadership of Jon Burrows and Diana Armstrong following news that Robbie Butler will not be standing for the leadership.
I am happy to serve as a UUP activist under Jon Burrows and Diana Armstrong as I would be if Robbie Butler were leader of the party.
During times of transition, we must remember we are all Ulster Unionists and are united by our belief in UUP policy which transcends personality.
We believe UUP policy is best for governing NI and therefore to achieve this, we must expand UUP representation at all levels of government.
Mike Nesbitt’s leadership inspired me to join the UUP in 2013.
I have served as a UUP activist under his leadership and the leaderships of Robin Swann, Steve Aiken, Doug Beattie and again under Mike Nesbitt. They have all made their own contributions as leader to the party for which I am very grateful.
The focus now has to be on continuing the great work the party does for the country and preparing for the 2027 elections.
Our party has a lot of talent, experience, expertise, energy and diversity.
This is to our advantage.
Let’s build up our teams of local government and Assembly candidates. Let’s write up our 2027 manifestos. Let’s get out there to the electorate and convince them why they should vote for our party.
We have experience, expertise and energy – we are the Ulster Unionist Party and we will maintain Northern Ireland’s place in the United Kingdom.
Michael Palmer, Newtownards