Incoming UUP leader Jon Burrows 'excited' by challenge ahead

Incoming Ulster Unionist Party (UUP) leader Jon Burrows has refused to say if he will allow Mike Nesbitt to remain as health minister.

He also committed to working with all his colleagues when asked about those MLAs (assembly members) in the party who are opposed to his leadership.

In his first interview since it emerged that he is the only candidate in the running to replace Nesbitt as leader, Burrows said he was "excited" about the challenge ahead.

He was speaking to BBC News NI outside his constituency office in Ballymena.

Meanwhile a local Ulster Unionist councillor in the town called for party unity amid reports that some elected representatives are unhappy with the new leader.

Councillor Alan Barr who is "one hundred per cent" behind Jon Burrows said he expects the MLA team to "rally around and support" the new leader for the "good of the party".

"Jon has been a leader before in the PSNI and if he can lead sergeants and constables he will have the ability to lead the MLA team," he said.

"We need to see party unity and unionist unity," he added.

Councillor Barr said his "first impressions of the new leader were positive" and added Burrows is both "driven and focused".

Meanwhile Burrows said he planned to make a statement on Monday and would deal with questions being raised about the lack of a contest for the leadership.

"I'm excited to be leader and there is a job to be done for the people of Northern Ireland working together," he said

When asked if Nesbitt would remain in the post as health minister, Burrows said: "I don't discuss those things in the media I will chat with colleagues first."

In a statement released earlier by the UUP, Burrows pledged to "renew the party at all levels".

He also promised to "break down barriers and attract more women and young people into politics".