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DUP councillor co-opted into vacant assembly seat

News imageDUP A man sitting at a desk he is holding a pen wearing a red tie and navy blazer. Behind him is a man and woman, the man is wearing a black suit and red and white tie and the woman is wearing a black suit and white shirt.DUP
Gareth Wilson, alongside leader Gavin Robinson (left) and deputy leader Michelle McIlveen, as he signed the roll of membership on Monday

A Democratic Unionist Party (DUP) councillor has been co-opted as the new Northern Ireland Assembly member (MLA) for the Newry and Armagh constituency.

Gareth Wilson has replaced William Irwin who announced in December that he was stepping down from Stormont after 20 years in elected politics.

Wilson said: "It is an honour to have been selected by the party to fill this role."

The DUP leader Gavin Robinson added that he is looking forward to working with Wilson "as part of a refreshed and reinvigorated DUP team in the assembly".

'A champion for the constituency'

Wilson previously served as a councillor for the district of Cusher on Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon Borough Council for 20 years, including a term as Lord Mayor.

He was also a candidate for the constituency in the 2024 general election, where he came third.

The party confirmed that Wilson had been selected to take the seat last month.

On Monday he signed the roll of membership, officially taking his seat.

In a statement, Robinson said he was "delighted to welcome Gareth to our MLA team".

"Gareth has always been a champion for the constituency and for the people of that area. He will now continue that focus as their assembly member, focused on the issues that matter," he said in a statement.

"Whilst others are either attempting to undermine devolution or Northern Ireland itself, the DUP will continue to make Northern Ireland work."

Wilson paid tribute to William Irwin for his "work and dedication".

"I intend to build on the strong foundations he has left.

"I will continue to be a strong voice for the people of the constituency and, as the only pro-Union representative for Newry and Armagh within the assembly, I will always seek to promote our place within the United Kingdom and maximise the benefits that brings to everyone."