Ahead of his formal ratification as Ulster Unionist Party Leader this coming Saturday, Leader-Elect Jon Burrows MLA has revealed his senior leadership appointments for the Northern Ireland Assembly.

In a move intended to provide stability and continuity, Mr Burrows confirmed that the Ulster Unionist Party remains committed to its place within the Northern Ireland Executive. Consequently, Mike Nesbitt MLA is set to continue in his current role as Health Minister. Furthermore, Diana Armstrong MLA has been appointed as the Party's Chief Whip, a position she will hold alongside her new responsibilities as Deputy Leader.

Leader Elect Jon Burrows MLA said: "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. That is why today I am reaffirming our commitment to remaining in the Northern Ireland Executive, with Mike Nesbitt MLA continuing as Health Minister. "Mike has shown visible and effective leadership in guiding the Health Service through one of its most challenging periods, delivering pay awards for health workers, finding £300 million in savings and driving down waiting lists. As we enter the third year since the restoration of the Executive, our renewed focus is on making the Health Service deliver where it matters. Long term 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.

"I am also pleased that Diana Armstrong MLA will take on the role of Party Chief Whip in addition to her role as Deputy Leader. Diana 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".