Former UUP MLA likens party to the Titanic - urging followers to 'try new things' amid leadership race
A former Ulster Unionist MLA has likened the future of the party to the Titanic in a cryptic social media post urging his followers not be be “afraid to try new things”.
Colin Crawford, who stood down from his Stormont role in the summer and was replaced by leadership hopeful Jon Burrows, has appeared to suggest that the party could sink unless it tries something new.
The UUP man now works in Mr Burrows’ North Antrim constituency office – and is believed to be a strong backer of the ex-policeman taking on the leadership role.
Accompanying an image saying “Don’t Be Afraid”, the former North Antrim MLA wrote: “Don’t be afraid to try new things. The ark was built by amateurs, and the Titanic was built by experts!”
Deputy leader Robbie Butler – who is likely to run against Mr Burrows – commented on Mr Crawford’s Facebook post saying “I like that one bro”, followed by a smiling emoji.
In a post on his Facebook page in November, Colin Crawford said “change is coming” – adding “in any given moment we have two options: to step forward into growth or step back into safety”.
Mr Crawford declined to comment when approached by the News Letter.
In June, he quit his role as an MLA, stating that it was “the right decision for me and my family”.
After serving as a councillor in Mid and East Antrim, Mr Crawford was co-opted to replace Robin Swann as the UUP's MLA in north Antrim in 2024, after the latter was elected as South Antrim's MP in the general election.
A row over his appointment had led to the demise of previous leader Doug Beattie, who preferred Ballymoney councillor Darryl Wilson, who later defected to the DUP.
When Mr Crawford stepped down last summer, an Ulster Unionist Party spokesperson said Jon Burrows had been selected “after a rigorous internal selection process with independent oversight”. The party thanked him for “his dedicated service to the Assembly over the last year” and wished him well “with future endeavours”.
Just months after taking over as the North Antrim MLA, Mr Burrows now appears favourite to succeed Mike Nesbitt as party leader. The former broadcaster said he had completed the short-term job of getting the party “match fit for the forthcoming election campaign”.