A councillor at the centre of Doug Beattie’s resignation as UUP leader has quit the party, it was confirmed on Tuesday.
In a brief statement issued by the Ulster Unionist Party on New Year’e Eve, a spokesperson said: “The Ulster Unionist Party want to thank Councillor Darryl Wilson for his contributions over recent years, both within Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council and his wider political activity for the party.
“While we are disappointed in his decision, we wish him well and know he will continue to be an excellent representative for the people of Causeway Coast and Glens.”
The news came after Belfast Live reported on Friday that Cllr Wilson had removed any reference to the Ulster Unionist Party from his social media accounts.
Cllr Darryl Wilson, who represents the Ballymoney area on Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council, previously spoke of how he was “disillusioned and heartbroken” at being overlooked for the Assembly seat vacated by Robin Swann following the UK General Election.
At the time, it had been reported that then party leader Doug Beattie favoured Cllr Wilson for the role only to be vetoed by party officers and the seat was then offered to Colin Crawford. Days later, Doug Beattie announced that he was to stand down as leader of the party, citing irreconcilable differences with party officers.
When contacted by Belfast Live on Friday, Councillor Wilson refused to comment on his future within politics and if he had any plans to defect to another party. Later on Friday, Cllr Wilson removed all mention of the Ulster Unionist Party from his social media accounts, including changing his X handle from @DarrylUUP to @CllrDarrylW.
English (United States) ·