Letter: Ulster Unionist Party needs to stop imploding and back Jon Burrows ahead of elections

If you do not have the 'courage of your convictions' to seek the support of the rank and file members or if you cannot get that support you are clearly not the person for the job.

We have a great opportunity here to prepare for the 2027 Stormont Assembly election as Jon has the opportunity to mould the party to deliver a strong pro-Union message and to fight the nonsensical situation where Northern Ireland is in and out of the European Union.

This situation was caused by the Democratic Unionist Party and clearly unionist voters can see the massive mistakes they made by hanging on to the coat tails of Boris Johnson.

Those that are sulking in the background, whether they be MLAs or other 'grey suits', should 'get their head sorted' and put the party first.

Diana Armstrong MLA is a great and knowledgeable asset to the party – she can clearly 'hold her own' in debates in the assembly.

And Jon Burrows, in his short time, has shown that he has arrived with no fear to take on Sinn Fein and highlight their hypocrisy as he tackles them in open debate.

He is a great performer on television, he gives reasoned answers and, unlike some other politicians, he supports the police on the ground with no 'ifs or buts'.

Had I still been a serving MLA I would have had no hesitation in supporting Robbie Butler had he contacted me and asked for support. He did not.

Neither did Jon Burrows but he had the guts to stand up and stick his hat in the ring.

He is the leader designate so I call on Ulster Unionist Party members to stop imploding, which is a common problem we have had over the years, and get behind the new leader and 'Faugh a ballagh', or clear the way for the election campaign for council and assembly.

I am and will always be an Ulster Unionist, whilst no longer active as a politician I can see Jon Burrows and Diana Armstrong as a strong team that can unite this party and attract new voters.

Ross M Hussey, former UUP MLA