FORMER Belfast deputy lord mayor Guy Spence has marked a year since he quit the DUP by attacking "those wanting to cause me harm".
The reasons behind the 29-year-old's sudden departure from Arlene Foster's party remain private.
The former north Belfast councillor was regarded as one of the DUP's upcoming talents.
However, he quit his council seat and the DUP 12 months ago after losing "all confidence in the party".
He claimed the DUP's values and integrity had been "tossed aside" and his resignation was accelerated by a "blatant attempt to cause me harm".
Mr Spence is understood to have moved to England since, taking on a role within the Royal Air Force.
Over the past year his social media accounts have been critical of his former colleagues, such as Education Minister Peter Weir, while he has signalled support for Ulster Unionist Health Minister Robin Swann.
On Saturday, he tweeted: "This day last year I left the DUP.
"After many years I couldn’t stand for the twisted, bitter & hateful actions set out against me & my values. Fuelled by those wanting to cause me harm.
"Today I say thank you. You made me a stronger, healthier, happier & more resilient man!"
The DUP did not comment.
Mr Spence was first elected to council in May 2011, aged 19, becoming deputy lord mayor four years later.
In early 2019, his local party organisation selected former UUP MLA Fred Cobain as the DUP candidate for the Castle ward of north Belfast ahead of the sitting councillor, though the central party subsequently added Mr Spence to the ticket.
