MLA backs Jon Burrows leadership amid Ulster Unionist turmoil over Doug Beattie's resignation
Steve Aiken has publicly endorsed the leadership of Jon Burrows, the only Ulster Unionist MLA to do so since the resignation of Doug Beattie at the weekend.
The South Antrim MLA shared a social media post by one of the party’s councillors which said the party needs a change “in style and approach” – something he said the leader and his deputy Diana Armstrong offer.
It is understood the leadership does not have the backing of a majority of its Stormont team, with anonymous briefings to the media against Mr Burrows by a number of its MLAs.
On Sunday, former leader Doug Beattie quit – accusing him of having allowed a “toxic” atmosphere to develop within the party.
Addressing the issue publicly for the first time on Wednesday, Jon Burrows has said he is “deeply disappointed” by Mr Beattie’s comments.
“I’m deeply disappointed by the comments Doug made, I regret that he made them, and I don’t recognise his characterisation of me whatsoever” he told the BBC.
Asked about disciplinary proceedings which Mr Beattie described as “vindictive and a deliberate attempt to drive” him from the party, Mr Burrows said: “I deal with what is in front of me, and I have high standards; a leader sets high standards in terms of integrity.”
Only the party’s membership – who overwhelmingly back the leader – have the power to oust him. However, there is concern within the party that if more MLAs quit, it would leave it in a weak position for next year’s Assembly election and the leader’s position untenable.
There are also fears that adding more independent unionists to the ballot would split the pro-union vote further in certain constituencies and possibly hand seats to Sinn Fein or Alliance.
The situation within the party is said to be tense, with MLAs still reeling from the fallout of Mr Beattie’s resignation.
On Wednesday morning, Mr Aiken, a former leader of the party, reposted a comment from Ards and North Down UUP councillor Pete Wray. He said: “The UUP will always be highly scrutinised and always in the media.
“In order to move from peace to prosperity NI needs the UUP to rise to power again. That requires changes in style & approach.
“That’s what Jon Burrows and Diana Armstrong are doing, and that’s what will bring success”.