FORMER Ulster Unionist leader Mike Nesbitt has resigned as deputy chair of a Stormont committee after admitting breaking lockdown rules.
The Sunday World newspaper reported yesterday that the Strangford MLA had visited a friend on the north coast.
Regulations advise against unnecessary journeys.
Mr Nesbitt said he had made some "very poor decisions".
"This has been a stressful and difficult period for me and unfortunately I have made some very poor decisions," he said.
"I am remorseful and apologise. I shall not return during lockdown.
"I have also tendered my resignation as deputy chair of the Committee of the Executive Office to my party leader, Steve Aiken."
It is understood Mr Nesbitt will remain an MLA.
Mr Aiken said he has accepted Mr Nesbitt's resignation.
"Breaking the lockdown regulations is totally unacceptable, no matter who you are," he said.
"The rules are there to help save lives. Mike has made a huge mistake and he has accepted what he did was wrong.
"I have accepted his resignation as deputy chair of the Committee for the Executive Office.
"The lockdown rules are there to help save lives and the message remains the same. Stay home, protect the NHS, save lives."
Mr Nesbitt is not the first public figure found to be in breach of lockdown regulations since coronavirus measures were introduced.
Last month Scotland's chief medical Officer Dr Catherine Calderwood resigned after making two trips to her second home.
Although she received the backing of Scottish First Minister Nicola Sturgeon Dr Calderwood, who was born in Belfast, later quit.
Also last month British government housing secretary Robert Jenrick defended paying his parents a visit during lockdown after he was spotted outside their house in Shropshire, 40 miles from his own home.
The Tory cabinet minister later said his parents had asked him to deliver some essentials including medicines as both were self isolating.
He added that he had respected social distancing rules.
