UUP aiming to build on positive party conference and show they are ‘ready to lead unionism again’

Robbie Butler was speaking after a well-received party conference at the weekend, marked by a rousing speech from leader Doug Beattie and a powerful address from Julie-Anne Corr-Johnston, who came to the party from the PUP in June.

Asked if he had any idea before the conference on Saturday how well the speakers would be received, Mr Butler, the party’s chief whip who also spoke at the event, said: “Given the continued support and interest in our re-energised brand of confident inclusive unionism we knew that the speakers would resonate with our conference delegates.”

He said the takeaway message was that “the Ulster Unionist Party are back”, adding: “We are committed to contesting for the First Minister post and believe that the electorate are tuning back in.”

One of those speakers who earned a lot of praise was Julie-Anne Corr-Johnston.

Of the North Belfast candidate, Mr Butler said: “Julie-Anne gave a very personal and powerful speech. Her addition to the team is an important one. Her energy and passion for her community is revitalising for us in North Belfast and she’s an enthusiastic advocate of confident unionism.

“I was struck by the speeches from candidates who are contesting assembly constituencies for the first time. The depth of this slate of candidates is incredible.”

Asked how the party builds on this positivity, Mr Butler commented: “We keep moving forward and we keep telling our story. We have the people, we have the message, now we have to go to the voters and show them that the Ulster Unionist Party is ready to lead unionism again.”

——— ———

A message from the Editor:

Thank you for reading this story on our website. While I have your attention, I also have an important request to make of you.

With the coronavirus lockdown having a major impact on many of our advertisers — and consequently the revenue we receive — we are more reliant than ever on you taking out a digital subscription.

Subscribe to newsletter.co.uk and enjoy unlimited access to the best Northern Ireland and UK news and information online and on our app. With a digital subscription, you can read more than 5 articles, see fewer ads, enjoy faster load times, and get access to exclusive newsletters and content. Visit https://www.newsletter.co.uk/subscriptions now to sign up.

Our journalism costs money and we rely on advertising, print and digital revenues to help to support them. By supporting us, we are able to support you in providing trusted, fact-checked content for this website.

Ben Lowry

Acting Editor