MLAs ready to quit seats on Lisburn Council

LEGISLATION introduced last week could see big changes at Lisburn Council.

A number of councillors who also serve as MLAs are considering standing down from Lisburn Council now that new legislation will allow fellow party members to be co-opted onto empty seats, ensuring no by-elections.

Lagan Valley DUP MP and MLA Jeffrey Donaldson said he will now be stepping down from both Lisburn City Council and the Assembly in due course. "I can confirm I will be stepping down from the Northern Ireland Assembly following the general election if I am re-elected to Parliament and I will be concentrating my political activities on the House of Commons," said Mr Donaldson.

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"I will also, together with my party colleague Edwin Poots, be stepping down from Lisburn City Council following the conferment of the Freedom of the City on three former and current councillors, which is due to take place on June 5.

"I have thoroughly enjoyed my time as an MLA and Councillor and I believe I have made a positive contribution towards developing a more peaceful and stable society in Northern Ireland, as well as developing Lisburn following the grant of city status. I will continued in my commitment to both of those causes as an MP to provide the highest standard of representation for the people of Lagan Valley."

His party colleague Edwin Poots, who also serves as Environment Minister, said he "regrets" that he will be standing down from the Council in June. "I cut my teeth on Lisburn council, it was my first real elected office," said Mr Poots. "It is somewhere I have had many good experiences.

"My father and myself both served in the Downshire ward so there is a very strong connection with the local community. In many respects I regret that I have to stand down from the council. However I will still be able to serve the community at Assembly level and I look forward to continuing to do that."

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The third DUP MLA, Jonathan Craig, has said he will remain on Lisburn City Council until the next Assembly election, when he will the consider his position.

Ulster Unionist MLA Basil McCrea has also confirmed that he will be standing down from his position on Lisburn City Council. "I have already announced that I am not in favour of double jobbing," said Mr McCrea. "As soon as a suitable replacement can be found I will be stepping down from Lisburn City Council."

Sinn Fein MLA Paul Butler also said he will be resigning from Lisburn City Council, in line with his Party's stance on double-jobbing.

"I will be standing down," confirmed Mr Butler this week. "The Party's position on this is that anyone who is a councillor and am MLA should only have one job. We haven't discussed this locally and have not yet identified a replacement but we will be meeting in the near future to ensure a smooth transition."

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Alliance MLA Trevor Lunn, who welcomed the introduction of the new legislation, said he will be remaining on Lisburn City Council at least until the next Assembly election.

"This legislation is a very good idea," said Mr Lunn. "I will make my decision on whether or not to resign from Lisburn City Council at the next Assembly election but I will be remaining on Lisburn City Council for the time being. If councils get more power, as envisaged under the Review of Public Administration, I would think anyone would have to make a choice between the council and the Assembly."