UUP boss Jon Burrows says relations with his MLAs are 'constructive and focused on the job' after turbulent week
The relationship with between the leadership of the Ulster Unionist Party and its Stormont MLA team is “constructive and focused on the job in hand”, Jon Burrows has said.
He was speaking amid growing tension within the party over a clash with former leader Doug Beattie, who may quit the party and run as an independent at next year’s Assembly election.
Speaking to the News Letter, Mr Burrows described his relationship with councillors and party members as “warm”.
The relationship between the leader and Mr Beattie is understood to be at rock bottom, amid an ongoing dispute between the latter and his local association and party officers over whether he will run for the UUP in the next Stormont poll.
Doug Beattie’s own conflict with the party structures erupted in 2024, when he stood down citing “irreconcilable differences” with party officers, “combined with the inability to influence and shape the party”.
His relationship with his local branch in Upper Bann has been in a poor state for some years, resulting in the former leader facing deselection in favour of local councillor Kyle Savage.
Matters came to a head recently after reports Mr Beattie could be deselected – and the resignation from the party this week of a key political ally, Craigavon councillor Kate Evans.
On Wednesday, Mr Beattie hit back at criticism over canvassing with Ms Evans after her departure, saying that a party logo is not “a symbol of integrity”.
Addressing speculation in a Facebook post earlier this week, Mr Beattie said he was busy working while “others are busy with rumour and gossip”.
A number of party insiders say that the current situation is untenable, and believe Doug Beattie will not be in the party for much longer.
Mr Burrows faces opposition from a large chunk of the MLA group, who while having few major policy differences with him, object to his direct style. However, there have been direct challenges to party policy from Mr Beattie on issues such as the minimum age of criminal responsibility. The leader wants the age to remain at 10, with Mr Beattie preferring 12.