Jon Burrows will be considered by some as a good catch for the Ulster Unionist Party as he is skilled media performer and comes with a strong pedigree in policing.
His father Colin was a former RUC assistant chief constable.
Though he has spent much of his career steering clear of politics he has been an outspoken critic of politicians and police chiefs since quitting the PSNI four years ago.
Don’t be surprised if he finds a seat on the policing board for his new party.
But Burrows biggest challenge may come from within with Ulster Unionists members unhappy with his lack of longstanding service to the party.
As a free-wheeling, straight-talking commentator he may also struggle to operate within the boundaries of a political party.