UUP council candidate Jay Basra says he intends to fight hard to retain a strong Unionist voice for Cookstown
Jay Basra, Chairman of the Ulster Unionist Party’s youth wing, has been selected as the party’s candidate for Cookstown in the forthcoming local government election, bringing a new generation of Unionist representation to the area.
“I am proud to announce that I will be standing as the Ulster Unionist Party candidate for Cookstown DEA in the May 2027 Local Government Election. Cookstown is my home. I was raised in Monrush and attended Cookstown High School before going on to Queen’s University Belfast,” he said in a statement.
"I graduated with a degree in History and Politics. My roots run deep in the area, and I want to see this town flourish for the better. I previously contested the 2024 General Election in Mid Ulster. Since then, I have continued working with and supporting constituents across the local community.
"I currently work as a caseworker and constituency assistant for Diana Armstrong MLA in Dungannon, having previously worked for Tom Elliott MLA. My Christian faith is central to who I am and has been a constant guide throughout my time in politics. I worship locally at Orritor Presbyterian Church, and I’m an active member of the Loyal Orders in Cookstown.
"I will always stand up for our faith, heritage and culture, and their place in our community. I make absolutely no apology for that, nor will I shy away from defending the traditions and values that have shaped both me and the place I am proud to call home.
“I am a recent Queen’s University graduate, where I was heavily involved in grassroots Unionist politics. I led the Queen’s Young Unionists and played a leading role in the wider Unionist grouping within the Students’ Union. At Queen’s, Unionism was often in the minority, and the same is true on Mid Ulster District Council.
"I know what it means to stand your ground, make the Unionist case clearly and confidently, and refuse to allow our community’s voice to be ignored. I have done it before, and I will continue to do it for the people of Cookstown.”
Mr Basra went on to pay tribute to outgoing Councillor Trevor Wilson for his many years of service to the local community.
"I have had the opportunity to work closely with him over the last number of years; he supported me in putting my name forward in 2024. Without that, I would not be where I am today. I wish him all the very best in his retirement,” he continued.
“Over the coming months, I will be out on the doors across Cookstown, meeting as many people as possible, listening to the issues that matter and doing what I can to help. I intend to fight hard to retain a strong Unionist voice for Cookstown. If elected, my priority will be making sure Mid Ulster District Council gets the basics right for the everyday ratepayer, delivers value for money and treats every community fairly. Cookstown deserves a councillor who will speak up, get things done and make sure that Mid Ulster District Council is a cold house for no community.”