2026 Ulster Unionist Party leadership election
31 January 2026
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An election for the leadership of the Ulster Unionist Party (UUP) was held on 31 January 2026 following the resignation of Mike Nesbitt as party leader on 2 January 2026. Recently co-opted MLA Jon Burrows was ratified unopposed the party's next leader.
Nesbitt was elected leader in 2024, after previously serving in the role between 2012 and 2017. Two of the party's sitting Members of the Legislative Assembly (MLAs), namely former Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) superintendent Jon Burrows and deputy leader Robbie Butler, were expected to run for the leadership. However, Butler announced at the close of nominations on 15 January 2026 that he would not be a candidate.