Alliance MLA Patrick Brown resigns South Down seat

Alliance Party assembly member (MLA) Patrick Brown has resigned his South Down seat, the party has said.

Announcing the news on Tuesday evening, a spokesperson said Mr Brown's resignation was due to "personal reasons".

They thanked Mr Brown for his service and wished him "well in his future endeavours".

Mr Brown said: "It has been an honour to represent local people and help them on important issues."

He said he was proud of his track record and remained committed to the party's values.

"This May, I will have been an elected representative for 10 years and feel the time is right to step aside for personal reasons," he said.

"I am proud of the work I have done since being elected, including supporting those impacted by flooding, campaigning on environmental and animal welfare issues, and my work on the Windsor Framework and Infrastructure Committees."

Watchdog censure

Mr Brown was first elected to Stormont in 2022 but was previously a councillor on Newry, Mourne and Down District Council from 2014.

Under Stormont's rules, Alliance will be able to co-opt someone to fill the vacant seat without the need for a by-election.

A replacement must be selected within seven days.

Earlier in 2023 Mr Brown was censured by the local government commissioner for standards over comments about an interview process for a council chief executive.

It came after he posted on social media how he believed councillors had voted on the senior appointment to Newry, Mourne and Down District Council.

Mr Brown issued a written apology following an investigation.