UUP boss Jon Burrows won't intervene in Doug Beattie selection process - but praises 'exceptional politician'
Jon Burrows says it would be inappropriate for him to intervene in the process to select a new MLA for Upper Bann, after it emerged that party stalwart Doug Beattie is facing a fight to retain his Stormont seat.
The Ulster Unionist Party leader has praised his colleague as an “exceptional politician”, but has made clear he will not get involved in the decision about who is selected as it is a matter for local party members.
Mr Beattie looks set to lose out to councillor Kyle Savage, the son of late UUP MLA George Savage – but has appealed to members to look at his track record in the constituency.
The UUP was not putting members up for interview on Tuesday, however pre-organised interviews did go ahead.
Speaking to Cool FM, Mr Burrows said that every organisation goes through change.
“Doug Beattie has been an exceptional politician. He continues to be so. He's got a Military Cross. He's been a long time spokesperson for justice.
“He's hugely experienced and respected across the country, but it would be wrong for me to at this stage interfere in a selection process.
“So I absolutely value the contribution of Doug Beattie. He is a very, very good politician, but I'm not going to comment on the internal selection processes. Just like in any other organisation, if you went to the boss and said ‘who's getting the job?’, that wouldn't be fair.”, the UUP leader said.
Asked by journalist James Gould if it would not be a mistake for the party to lose Doug Beattie, Mr Burrows said he is not “looking to lose people”.
“I'm looking to add people to the MLA team. I'm looking to add additional people to this place, [Stormont]”, he said.
“I would say that change is vital in every organisation. You always evolve, because the world is changing, and any organization that doesn't change with it can't survive.
“Selection processes are just that. They're a process. I need to respect the process. I need to ensure that it is fair, impartial and transparent, and that's what it will be”. Asked if he had a good relationship with Doug Beattie, Mr Burrows said: “I have a good relationship with all colleagues. I've been the world of work for a long time. You get up out of bed in the morning, get into work and you work. You work for the people. You work for the people of Northern Ireland”.