Robbie Butler named Stormont health minister

By David Young and Rebecca Black, Press Association

Ulster Unionist MLA Robbie Butler has been announced as Stormont’s new health minister.

The appointment of the Lagan Valley representative comes after Mike Nesbitt resigned from the post amid a fallout with UUP leader Jon Burrows over the proposed withdrawal of emergency general surgery from Causeway Hospital in Coleraine, Co Derry.

Burrows said he did not support the removal of the services during a townhall meeting last week, making clear his opposition to the plan recommended by health trust bosses.

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

Nesbitt, who had not yet confirmed whether he was going to push ahead with the withdrawal proposal, responded with a hard-hitting resignation letter.

The Strangford MLA accused Mr Burrows of imposing a “red line” over the proposed hospital reconfiguration plan, adding he was not going to be a minister who learned about his party leader’s views on key issues through the media.

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

He was accompanied by 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.”