Mike Nesbitt to retain position as Health Minister

By Jonathan McCambridge (PA)

Mike Nesbitt is to remain as Northern Ireland’s Health Minister, incoming Ulster Unionist Party (UUP) leader Jon Burrows has confirmed.

Mr Burrows said Mr Nesbitt had provided “sure-footed” leadership of the health service, as he unveiled the party’s new senior leadership on Monday.

Diana Armstrong, who is to replace Robbie Butler as deputy leader, will also become the party chief whip.

However, Mr Burrows declined to say whether Mr Butler would retain his position as chairman of the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (Daera) Committee at Stormont.

Former senior police officer Mr Burrows became UUP leader-elect when Lagan Valley MLA Mr Butler confirmed he would not put himself forward for a leadership contest.

Mr Burrows, a former senior PSNI officer, will be ratified as leader following a party meeting on Saturday.

Outgoing leader Mr Nesbitt announced his intention to stand down earlier this month, but said he wanted to retain his position as Northern Ireland’s Health Minister.

Mr Burrows confirmed on Monday that Mr Nesbitt would keep the role until the end of the Assembly term.

He said: “Mike Nesbitt has provided the sure-footed leadership in health that is badly needed for the most consequential ministry that we have in our government here in Northern Ireland.

“He has found cuts in costs to the tune of £300 million, he is reducing waiting lists, that tanker is turning because of the excellent leadership from Mike and the hard work from everybody who works in health.”

He added: “Long term (health) transformation is now under way.

“Prioritising prevention and early intervention will improve outcomes and secure long term sustainability.

“This means putting a particular emphasis on keeping healthy people healthy, especially our children.”

Asked about Mr Butler’s position as chairman of the scrutiny committee, Mr Burrows said: “The first people to know about any moves will be the individual themselves.

“I haven’t yet communicated those decisions to my colleagues.

“They will be communicated, then the rest of the party will know and then the media will know.”

He said Mr Butler was an “outstanding MLA” who had done a “good job”.

Mr Burrows added: “The Ulster Unionist Party is rooted in a deep sense of duty, selflessness, and service to the people of Northern Ireland.

“We remain steadfast in our commitment to doing what is right for them.”

Mr Burrows said that Ms Armstrong is “a trusted and valued colleague within the party and across the wider pro-Union community”.

“Together, we will provide the united and dynamic leadership our party needs, focused on strengthening the union, fixing public services and driving change in how politics is delivered here,” he added.