DUP MLA Gary Middleton to resign to deal with mental health challenges

DUP MLA Gary Middleton is to step back from public life to deal with mental health challenges.

The Foyle representative has said he will resign as an MLA on Friday.

Party leader Gavin Robinson has paid tribute to Mr Middleton, stating he had been a “dedicated and steadfast servant to people across the city of Londonderry and surrounding areas”.

Mr Middleton has been an MLA in the Northern Ireland Assembly since 2015, having previously been elected as a councillor.

In a statement released to the Press Association, Mr Middleton said: “Over the last few months, I have been suffering from a bout of ill-health which has significantly limited my ability to represent my constituents in the way I always have.

“I had hoped to be able to return to work and to recover, but I have come to the point of accepting that if I am to focus on getting back to full health, I cannot do this whilst remaining in public office.

“It would have been easier for me to withdraw from the political arena quietly and without explanation but I wanted my constituents and the wider community to understand that I am leaving public life because I am suffering significant mental health challenges.”

He added: “I am journeying through a difficult experience and have been for some time.

“I am receiving treatment thanks to the wonderful services afforded to me by our National Health Service.

“The support and encouragement from my family and friends, combined with the expert treatment I am receiving has given me hope and I can see a glimmer of light in what has been a very dark tunnel.

“In making this statement I want to give encouragement to those who may be on a similar journey by highlighting that help is available.

“I have learned in recent times that it’s okay not to be okay.”

The statement concluded: “I want to thank all those who have supported me in Foyle over the years and who bestowed the privilege of electing me, first into local government and then to the Northern Ireland Assembly.

“Finally, I want to thank all my colleagues in the DUP for their support and friendship, to my staff for their loyalty and to my wife and family who have been my rock during this period.

“I will always be grateful for all the support shown to me.

“I will resign as a Member of the Northern Ireland Assembly tomorrow (Friday).

“As I depart the public stage, I want to wish all those who serve the public and with whom I have had the privilege to serve alongside, regardless of party affiliations, every best wish for the future.”

DUP leader Mr Robinson said his party colleague had been a “consistent voice for unionism in Foyle”.

He said: “As the sole unionist MLA in Foyle, Gary Middleton has been a dedicated and steadfast servant to people across the city of Londonderry and surrounding areas.

“Since 2015, he has been a strong and consistent voice in the Northern Ireland Assembly and was never afraid to stand up for what he believed was right.

“Elected in May 2011 as a Councillor at just 20 years of age, Gary was often the youngest in the room but earned the respect of colleagues through his incredible ability to articulate the concerns of the people of Foyle.

“In being such a clear and consistent voice for unionism in Foyle, Gary has at times faced threats from republicans.

“That pressure never silenced him nor deterred him, he continued to stand firm for his constituents and his principles.”

Mr Robinson added: “While we deeply regret that Gary is leaving public service, we will do all we can to support him.

“Gary’s focus must now be on his recovery, and he will have the support of colleagues, both inside and outside our ranks, on his journey.

“On behalf of the Democratic Unionist Party, I want to sincerely thank Gary for his years of service and dedication.

“Many people in the Foyle constituency have been positively impacted as a result of Gary’s devotion to his community.

“We wish him every blessing for the days ahead.”