Northern Ireland

Newry and Mourne councillor Harry Harvey named as DUP replacement for Simon Hamilton as Strangford MLA

DUP leader Arlene Foster with her party's new Strangford MLA Harry Harvey. Picture by Harry Harvey
DUP leader Arlene Foster with her party's new Strangford MLA Harry Harvey. Picture by Harry Harvey DUP leader Arlene Foster with her party's new Strangford MLA Harry Harvey. Picture by Harry Harvey

THE DUP has named Newry and Mourne councillor Harry Harvey as the party's replacement for Simon Hamilton as Strangford MLA.

The former Stormont finance and health minister announced in June that he was stepping down from politics to take on a new role as chief executive officer with the Belfast Chamber of Commerce.

Mr Harvey has been a DUP councillor for the Rowallane area on Newry and Mourne District Council since 2014 and he joins colleagues Peter Weir and Michelle McIlveen in representing the party in the Strangford constituency.

DUP leader Arlene Foster congratulated him, saying: "Harry enters the assembly at a time when our focus is on restoring devolution and ensuring that assembly members can get back to doing the full job we should be doing."

Mr Harvey said he was "honoured" to accept the role, adding: "Through my time in local government I know the importance of constituency representation, and I will dedicate myself to continuing that role.

"It is very frustrating however that the assembly and executive are not functioning at present. I will work with colleagues to do ensure a fair and balanced agreement can be reached which can be supported by everyone."