Stormont's performance is 'sub-optimal', says new MLA

Jon Burrows was selected by the UUP to replace the North Antrim MLA Colin Crawford, who stepped down after less than a year in the role

Former senior police officer Jon Burrows has said he will bring "forensic scrutiny" to what he described as a "sub-optimal" Stormont as he officially takes up his role as an Ulster Unionist Assembly member.

Burrows signed the Assembly roll on Monday, having been selected to replace North Antrim MLA Colin Crawford, who is stepping down after less than a year in the role.

A former senior officer with the Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI), Burrows was one of three candidates interviewed for the position.

He has been outspoken on policing issues, drawing on a long career in law enforcement, including his time as head of discipline within the PSNI.

Speaking to BBC Radio Ulster's Good Morning Ulster programme, Burrows described Stormont in its current form as "sub-optimal" and said he believes it needs to evolve.

"I think most people in Northern Ireland now realise that the kind of permanent power-sharing structure we had to get us over the line to a peace deal in 1998 probably does need to evolve to make it something more effective and accountable," Burrows said.

"A sort of collective government and a proper opposition, that would be ideal, but in the meantime I will provide scrutiny, I have showed that in the last number of months and years - I will provide forensic scrutiny."

Burrows said he "genuinely believes in public service" and decided to take up the role as an MLA "after taking soundings" and put his name forward because he has a "burning ambition and desire to help people".

Burrows said he wants to see the Ulster Unionist Party "grow" and "be on the front foot to bring electoral gains".

'I want Northern Ireland to work'

"I do believe in Northern Ireland, and I believe in its place in the Union," he said.

"I think we need to advocate for it with the same pride and passion as those who believe in a united Ireland.

"I think they lead the running in that commentary, and we need to catch up."

Burrows said issues such as the cost of living, support for adults with children with special educational needs (SEN), illegal immigration, housing, and particularly tackling violence against women and girls, are high on his list of priorities.

"These issues repeat and repeat, and we need solutions," he said.

"Violence against women, girls, and children in our society is at an epidemic level.

"They are getting murdered in their homes and on the streets.

"I will be the first to ask awkward questions of the police, of the justice minister, and everyone else - so we can have less women and girls dying in our streets."

Party leader Mike Nesbitt says Jon Burrows has the 'energy an MLA needs to deliver for the people he represents'

Ulster Unionist leader Mike Nesbitt welcomed the appointment and said Burrows had a "wealth of experience" and would work tirelessly to serve his constituents well.

"I see the immediate future for Jon as very exciting, with nearly two years to embed himself into his new role and make the seat his own," Nesbitt said.

"As a party of law and order, it should be no surprise that we often turn to those who have served their country when vacancies arise in elected politics.

"He has a wealth of experience, he is totally committed to this place that we all call home, and he has the energy an MLA needs to deliver for the people he represents."

Outgoing MLA Colin Crawford said he wished Jon Burrows every success in his new role.

"Representing North Antrim has been a great honour, and I know Jon will bring his own strengths and commitment to the job," he said.