MIKE NESBITT RESIGNS AS HEALTH MINISTER OVER HOSPITAL SERVICES DISPUTE

Mike Nesbitt has resigned from his position as health minister following a disagreement with UUP leader Jon Burrows regarding emergency general surgery provision at Causeway Hospital. The dispute centres on whether emergency general surgery services should be withdrawn from the hospital. Burrows, a North Antrim MLA, stated at a town hall meeting last week that he opposed the removal of these services. Nesbitt's decision to step down follows what is understood to be a clash between the two over this policy matter.

Nesbitt previously led the UUP twice: from 2012 to 2017, and again from 2024 until earlier this year when Burrows assumed the leadership role. The Northern Health Trust had previously recommended that emergency general surgery services should be provided at only one of its hospital sites rather than multiple locations. Burrows's stated position appeared to diverge from the Department of Health's policy direction on the matter.

The resignation represents a significant shift in UUP leadership dynamics as the party navigates questions over healthcare provision in Northern Ireland. No further statement regarding the reasons for Nesbitt's departure or the party's next steps has been confirmed at this time. The disagreement highlights ongoing tensions within the party over how to respond to healthcare restructuring proposals in the region.