Mike Nesbitt stands down as Ulster Unionist boss - with Burrows v Butler leadership contest expected
Mike Nesbitt has stepped down as Ulster Unionist Party leader, saying that he has now completed the short-term job of getting the party “match fit for the forthcoming election campaign”.
The UUP says that it will shortly “outline the leadership selection process, ensuring an inclusive, engaging and seamless transition”.
Jon Burrows and deputy leader Robbie Butler will likely both put their names forward for the top job next week – although their remains an outside chance of a joint ticket between the pair. Under party rules, the leader and deputy are elected together.
In October, Mr Butler said he could put his name forward if the party can “match” his ambition – and while Mr Burrows has yet to comment on any leadership bid, he is widely seen as a potential successor.
Jon Burrows has been touring Northern Ireland speaking to local UUP associations – with many grassroots members enthused by his approach at Stormont. However, Robbie Butler is understood to have the backing of most of the party’s Stormont team.
In October, Mr Butler said if the leadership came up, “I wouldn't be discounting myself at all”. Both men have declined to comment on their intentions.
The announcement of Mr Nesbitt’s resignation comes after months of speculation prompted by comments he made during a podcast interview last year, in which he said that he would make a decision on whether to run again in early 2026. However, in an interview with the News Letter the outgoing UUP leader subsequently branded the ensuing speculation as a “media invention”.
In a statement issued on Friday afternoon, announcing Mr Nesbitt’s decision to step down, the UUP said it “marks a pivotal moment as the Party builds on strong foundations and accelerates towards a bold, forward-looking vision for the 2027 elections”.
A party spokesperson said: “Since returning in 2024, Mike has led from the front as Minister of Health, reinforcing the UUP’s reputation for responsible, effective governance. He has also delivered key internal reforms, restored financial stability, modernised Party rules, and strengthened policy and communications teams – leaving the Party resilient, and ready for the future.
“Mike’s earlier leadership saw notable electoral successes, including strong local and European results in 2014, two MPs elected in 2015, and increased Assembly representation in 2016”.
Commenting on his decision, Mr Nesbitt said: “The next five-year mandate stretches to May 2032, the month I hope to celebrate my 75th birthday. That’s a commitment to fulltime politics I just do not feel I can make. And I would not be comfortably seeking a vote knowing that privately I was intending to retire during the mandate.
“I retook the leadership to do a short-term job of getting the Party match fit for the forthcoming election campaign. That job is now done so the time is right to select the politician who will lead us into the May 2027 polls promoting our brand of confident, responsible unionism.” Party Chair, Lord Elliott of Ballinamallard, said: “We are deeply grateful to Mike for his decades of service and unwavering dedication to improving our society.
“As we enter 2026, we look forward to building on the strong platform he has created. Our next Leader will champion forward-looking Unionism – safeguarding Northern Ireland’s place in the UK while promoting prosperity, reconciliation, and a shared future for all.”
Reacting to the decision on social media, Jon Burrows said: “Mike Nesbitt welcomed me into the Ulster Unionist Party and he will always have my admiration. He stepped up to party leadership again at a difficult time, while holding one of the most demanding ministries. This was selfless and public service-driven leadership which provided our party vital stability when it was needed most.
“The Ulster Unionist Party now has a solid platform upon which to grow and to provide the common sense, competent and solutions focused politics that Northern Ireland needs”.
Deputy leader Robbie Butler also praised Mr Nesbitt, thanking him for his “leadership and service to modern and positive Unionism and vision to make Northern Ireland work for everyone”.
The Lagan Valley MLA said: “It was your brand of Unionism that convinced me to pack up my career fighting fires and climbing ladders and to help build a better NI through politics.
“It's been a pleasure and I look forward to working closely with you in the coming months and years”.
Since taking over the leadership in August 2024, Mr Nesbitt had delegated much of the party leadership role to his deputy Mr Butler, while he focused on running the Stormont health ministry.