Ulster Unionist Party leader Jon Burrows has called for unionist politicians from other parties to join the UUP, claiming the movement has been poorly led over the past two decades.

Speaking at Stormont on Monday morning, the North Antrim MLA said unionism had suffered strategic errors that benefited Sinn Féin. He described the current period as a defining moment and argued that new leadership was required.

Mr Burrows said he was making a "big, broad offer" to the unionist community and to politicians from other parties to join the UUP. He did not name any individuals considering a move or confirm whether discussions had taken place with potential defectors.

He cited the work of party colleague Robbie Butler as Health Minister as evidence of the change he wants to deliver. Mr Burrows said Mr Butler was lowering the bowel cancer screening age towards 50, had delivered a 24/7 thrombectomy service for stroke patients and had invested 1.95 million pounds in endometriosis services.

Mr Burrows said he wanted greater cooperation across unionism while positioning a strengthened UUP to take a leading role. He stated that a revitalised party could provide what he called sure-footed leadership, make Northern Ireland a success, outmanoeuvre Sinn Féin and secure the Union for the long term.

He concluded by saying he was building a team to serve the people of Northern Ireland and encouraged anyone who shared that ambition to join the UUP.