Alliance has selected Andrew Muir as its new North Down MLA.

Mr Muir will replace Stephen Farry following the latter’s election as North Down MP. The 43-year-old has served as Councillor for the Holywood area since 2010 and will resign the positon before taking up the role as MLA early next week.

A keen runner, Mr Muir served as Mayor of North Down between 2013-14, and has been leader of the Alliance group on Ards and North Down Borough Council since its formation in 2014. He said he was looking forward to tackling a number of issues as North Down MLA.

“I am deeply honoured to be selected by my Alliance friends and colleagues to succeed Stephen Farry as MLA for North Down. I want to pay tribute to Dr Farry for the trail he blazed in the constituency, helping it become the progressive and inclusive area it is today.

“I am coming into the role at a time when the Assembly is suspended and therefore one of my priorities as an MLA will be to play my role in helping restore Stormont, so it can deliver for all the people of North Down and further afield. That includes supporting the health service and local schools, pushing for infrastructure investment and helping tackle the climate emergency.

“I am looking forward to building on my work as a Councillor and alongside Stephen Farry MP, provide a strong Alliance voice for all the people of North Down, serving them both in the constituency and at a restored Assembly.”