Robbie Butler confirmed as new Stormont Health Minister

The Ulster Unionist Party has confirmed it's nomination for Health Minister.

That has gone to Lagan Valley MLA Robbie Butler.

The move comes following Mike Nesbitt's resignation as Stormont Health Minister.

Ulster Unionist Party leader Jon Burrows said he has “full confidence” in Robbie Butler, who has been nominated as Stormont health minister.

In a statement, Mr Burrows said: “I said yesterday that we would move at pace to provide the leadership our health service requires, and today we have done exactly that. I am pleased to announce the nomination of Robbie Butler as Northern Ireland’s next Minister of Health.

“He has my full confidence and the full backing of our Assembly team.

“The role of health minister is bigger than any one individual or party. At moments when the Executive has faced its most demanding challenges, this party has stepped forward, and we do so again today.

“Our commitment to patients, to health and social care staff, and to meaningful reform remains unbroken.

“Our health service can deliver outstanding care.

“The challenge is ensuring people can access it more quickly, whether that is a GP appointment, an ambulance response, a diagnostic scan, consultant care or surgery.

“We will work with urgency to build a safer, faster, fairer and more sustainable health service, one that is quicker to access and delivers for everyone, no matter where they live in Northern Ireland. That is the Northern Ireland we work for.”

Dr Alan Stout, chair of BMA Northern Ireland Council, said, “As the new Health Minister, Robbie Butler will need to move quickly to build on the work begun by his predecessor and address the considerable challenges facing our health service. It is clear that the system is under immense pressure. Doctors are demoralised and looking for decisive leadership that is prepared to take difficult decisions when the clinical evidence shows change is needed.

“He takes up the role at a time of significant challenge. Consultants, SAS doctors, resident doctors and GPs are all currently in formal dispute with the Department of Health over a range of issues, including the ongoing delay to this year’s pay uplift and the continuing erosion of doctors’ pay. We urge him to engage with these issues as a matter of urgency.

“The Minister’s immediate priority should be to implement in full the 2025/26 DDRB recommendation and commit to an additional above-inflation pay uplift for all doctors in Northern Ireland as part of a clear pathway towards full pay restoration.

“General practice also requires a sustainable long-term funding solution. Significant investment in core general practice is needed to stabilise services and ensure practices can meet growing patient demand. Without that foundation, ambitions to move towards a neighbourhood model of care will be impossible to realise.

“We look forward to working constructively with Mr Butler to address these challenges and will be seeking an early meeting with him to discuss the urgent action required.”

Mr Butler is a former deputy leader of the UUP who worked as a firefighter prior to entering politics.

He was accompanied by Mr Burrows as he entered Speaker Edwin Poots’s office at Parliament Buildings to sign the pledge of office just before 1.30pm on Thursday.

Commenting on his appointment, Mr Butler said: “This is an enormous responsibility, but it is one I take on with determination and optimism. There is no time to waste. I am ready to get to work.”