Former PSNI officer Jon Burrows promises to be ‘visible, accessible and responsive' in new role as MLA
Mr Burrows, who retired from the force after 22 years on health grounds in 2021, described it as 'an absolute honour' to be selected by the Ulster Unionist Party to replace Colin Crawford who stepped down in July.
'I wish my predecessor, Colin Crawford, all the very best for the future,' he said.
'I have spoken to Colin in recent days, and it is clear to me he has a passion for both public service and for North Antrim.
'North Antrim occupies a special place in my heart, and I lived in the constituency for ten years when I was in the PSNI in Londonderry.
"I will serve all the constituents from every part of the constituency without exception, and it is already clear to me that there is pressing work to be done on a range of issues that really matter to local people.
"I will get started immediately on doing this important work. Having volunteered in a local food bank in recent years, I am only too aware of the hard realities that many people face and the extent of need in our local communities.'
Mr Burrows vowed to be 'visible, accessible and responsive' constituents as he expressed excitement about working with the party's four councillors in the area and the local UUP association 'who do fantastic and often unheralded work'.
"I also look forward to providing rigorous scrutiny in the Assembly, which is vital to ensuring the highest quality of local government for all the people of Northern Ireland,' Mr Burrows continued.
'It is an honour to once again serve the people of Northern Ireland after my career in policing. I believe in Northern Ireland and its people and will do whatever I can to make this a better place for everyone.'
UUP leader Mike Nesbitt MLA has welcomed Mr Burrows to Stormont as he also paid tribute to his predecessor.
'What's done is done, and I again wish Colin Crawford the very best for the future,' he said.
I see the immediate future for Jon as very exciting, with nearly two years to embed himself into his new role and make the seat his own.
'As a party of law and order, it should be no surprise that we often turn to those who have served their country when vacancies arise in elected politics. I welcome Jon as an ideal candidate. He has a wealth of experience, he is totally committed to this place that we all call home, and he has the energy an MLA needs to deliver for the people he represents.
"As someone who has worked and lived in North Antrim, I am beyond confident Jon will quickly embed himself again in the constituency.'
Storm Floris to bring 'unseasonably strong winds' to parts of UK
Meanwhile, Mr Crawford wished his replacement 'every success' in the future. .
'I would like to warmly congratulate Jon Burrows on being selected as my replacement to represent the people of North Antrim," he said.
'I wish Jon every success in his new role and offer him my full support and assistance as he takes up this important responsibility. Representing North Antrim has been a great honour, and I know Jon will bring his own strengths and commitment to the job.'
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Former PSNI officer Jon Burrows promises to be ‘visible, accessible and responsive' in new role as MLA
The former head of the police's discipline branch formally signed the roll at Parliament Buildings as the new representative for North Antrim at 11am on Monday. Mr Burrows, who retired from the force after 22 years on health grounds in 2021, described it as 'an absolute honour' to be selected by the Ulster Unionist Party to replace Colin Crawford who stepped down in July. 'I wish my predecessor, Colin Crawford, all the very best for the future,' he said. 'I have spoken to Colin in recent days, and it is clear to me he has a passion for both public service and for North Antrim. 'North Antrim occupies a special place in my heart, and I lived in the constituency for ten years when I was in the PSNI in Londonderry. "I will serve all the constituents from every part of the constituency without exception, and it is already clear to me that there is pressing work to be done on a range of issues that really matter to local people. "I will get started immediately on doing this important work. Having volunteered in a local food bank in recent years, I am only too aware of the hard realities that many people face and the extent of need in our local communities.' Mr Burrows vowed to be 'visible, accessible and responsive' constituents as he expressed excitement about working with the party's four councillors in the area and the local UUP association 'who do fantastic and often unheralded work'. "I also look forward to providing rigorous scrutiny in the Assembly, which is vital to ensuring the highest quality of local government for all the people of Northern Ireland,' Mr Burrows continued. 'It is an honour to once again serve the people of Northern Ireland after my career in policing. I believe in Northern Ireland and its people and will do whatever I can to make this a better place for everyone.' UUP leader Mike Nesbitt MLA has welcomed Mr Burrows to Stormont as he also paid tribute to his predecessor. 'What's done is done, and I again wish Colin Crawford the very best for the future,' he said. I see the immediate future for Jon as very exciting, with nearly two years to embed himself into his new role and make the seat his own. 'As a party of law and order, it should be no surprise that we often turn to those who have served their country when vacancies arise in elected politics. I welcome Jon as an ideal candidate. He has a wealth of experience, he is totally committed to this place that we all call home, and he has the energy an MLA needs to deliver for the people he represents. "As someone who has worked and lived in North Antrim, I am beyond confident Jon will quickly embed himself again in the constituency.' Storm Floris to bring 'unseasonably strong winds' to parts of UK Meanwhile, Mr Crawford wished his replacement 'every success' in the future. . 'I would like to warmly congratulate Jon Burrows on being selected as my replacement to represent the people of North Antrim," he said. 'I wish Jon every success in his new role and offer him my full support and assistance as he takes up this important responsibility. Representing North Antrim has been a great honour, and I know Jon will bring his own strengths and commitment to the job.'
BBC News
17 hours ago
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Jon Burrows: Stormont's performance is 'sub-optimal', says new MLA
Former senior police officer and media commentator Jon Burrows has said he will bring "forensic scrutiny" when he officially takes up his role as an Ulster Unionist Assembly will sign the Assembly roll later on Monday, having been selected to replace North Antrim MLA Colin Crawford, who steps down after less than a year in the role.A former superintendent with the Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI), Burrows was one of three candidates interviewed for the has been outspoken on policing issues, drawing on a long career in law enforcement, including his time as head of discipline within the PSNI. Speaking to BBC Radio Ulster's Good Morning Ulster programme, Burrows described Stormont in its current form as "sub-optimal" and said he believes it needs to evolve."I think most people in Northern Ireland now realise that the kind of permanent power-sharing structure we had to get us over the line to a peace deal in 1998 probably does need to evolve to make it something more effective and accountable," Burrows said."A sort of collective government and a proper opposition, that would be ideal, but in the meantime I will provide scrutiny, I have showed that in the last number of months and years - I will provide forensic scrutiny."Burrows said he "genuinely believes in public service" and decided to take up the role as an MLA "after taking soundings" and put his name forward because he has a "burning ambition and desire to help people".Burrows said he wants to see the Ulster Unionist Party "grow" and "be on the front foot to bring electoral gains". 'I want Northern Ireland to work' "I do believe in Northern Ireland, and I believe in its place in the Union," he said."I think we need to advocate for it with the same pride and passion as those who believe in a united Ireland.""I think they lead the running in that commentary, and we need to catch up."Burrows said issues such as the cost of living, support for adults with children with special educational needs (SEN), illegal immigration, housing, and particularly tackling violence against women and girls, are high on his list of priorities."These issues repeat and repeat, and we need solutions," he said."Violence against women, girls, and children in our society is at an epidemic level."They are getting murdered in their homes and on the streets."I will be the first to ask awkward questions of the police, of the justice minister, and everyone else - so we can have less women and girls dying in our streets."
