Jon Burrows open to ‘constructive cooperation’ to maximise the unionist vote
In response to a letter from DUP leader Gavin Robinson, Jon Burrows has said he is open to ‘constructive cooperation that best serves the union’.
February 7, 2026
In response to a letter from DUP leader Gavin Robinson, Jon Burrows has said he is open to ‘constructive cooperation that best serves the union’.
The DUP has announced that Adam Copeland will replace Gareth Wilson on Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon Borough Council. The vacancy follows William Irwin’s retirement from the Northern Ireland Assembly.
Gavin Robinson has invited new UUP leader Jon Burrows for talks on unionist co-operation. In a letter to DUP members, he said he “looks forward to working with Jon Burrows to see how our parties could co-operate and work together”.
Following William Irwin’s retirement, the DUP have selected councillor Gareth Wilson to replace him in the Newry and Armagh constituency. The former Lord Mayor has served on ABC Council for 20 years.
DUP MLA of almost 20 years, William Irwin, is set to retire from politics. ABC councillor Gareth Wilson is reportedly the favourite to replace him in Newry and Armagh, with DUP party officers conducting interviews for the role this week.
The motion submitted by People Before Profit MLA Gerry Carroll will be debated on Monday after it reached 30 signatures due to support from Sinn Féin, the SDLP and Alliance. However, it requires cross-community support from both nationalists and unionists to be passed.
Following the Education Minister’s trip to Israel, Sinn Fein have said they will support the motion of no confidence in him that was tabled by People Before Profit MLA Gerry Carroll. Paul Givan made the visit with a delegation of other unionist politicians.
The Alliance Party has seen their support drop to it’s lowest in five years, they’ve been overtaken by the Ulster Unionist Party and Traditional Unionist Voice remain ahead of them, leaving them in fifth place.
A mini-reshuffle by DUP leader Gavin Robinson sees Pam Cameron replaced in her role as Junior Minister in The Executive Office. Joanne Bunting will takeover in assisting Deputy First Minister Emma Little-Pengelly.