The Ulster Unionist Party has selected Matthew Robinson as its candidate for East Londonderry in the May 2027 Northern Ireland Assembly election.

Robinson, who lives in Portstewart, holds law degrees including an LLM focused on constitutional law. He is a director at the Euro-Gulf Information Centre think tank and previously served as chairman of the Northern Ireland Conservative Party and as a policy adviser in the European Parliament.

UUP leader Jon Burrows welcomed the selection, citing Robinson's legal qualifications, international policy experience and political background. He said East Londonderry deserves a representative who will argue its case with confidence and competence.

Robinson said the constituency has enormous potential but has not received the investment and attention it deserves. He highlighted tourism events such as The Open Championship at Royal Portrush and the North West 200, as well as the role of farmers, small businesses and hospitality employers.

He pledged to champion those sectors, saying farmers are the backbone of the rural economy and small businesses provide jobs and investment.

Robinson also identified the future of Ulster University and Northern Regional College campuses in Coleraine, alongside strengthening services at Causeway Hospital, as priorities.

He described his political outlook as a confident, forward-looking and pragmatic unionism focused on economic growth and making Northern Ireland work for everyone.

The East Londonderry constituency includes Coleraine, Limavady, Portstewart and surrounding communities.