Cheryl Brownlee has been announced as the new DUP MLA for East Antrim.
Ms Brownlee replaces David Hilditch, who stood down from the Assembly last week due to ill health.
Party leader Sir Jeffrey Donaldson said former councillor Ms Brownlee represents a “new generation” of DUP representatives.
“I am delighted that Cheryl will be our new East Antrim MLA. Over nearly 10 years as a councillor Cheryl has represented the people of Carrickfergus with enthusiasm and energy,” he said.
“Having worked alongside David Hilditch in his constituency office she knows the issues facing people on the ground across East Antrim.
“I know Cheryl has always been driven by a desire to help the community she comes from and represents, whether as an elected representative or as an on-call firefighter.
“She is part of a new generation of DUP representatives coming through our ranks and will be a very valuable part of our Assembly team.”
Ms Brownlee said she is “pleased and honoured” with the role.
“I want to continue the tradition of hard work and delivery set down by David Hilditch over many years and to see this area grow and prosper,” she said.
“I want to thank Sir Jeffrey and the wider party for their trust and support and I look forward to representing all the people of East Antrim.”
East Antrim MP Sammy Wilson said: “As an MLA Cheryl will now play an even greater role as part of a strong DUP team across East Antrim delivering on the issues that matter to people on the ground and focused on building and strengthening Northern Ireland’s place within the United Kingdom.”
MLAs are currently not able to engage in the assembly due to the DUP’s boycott of powersharing institutions as a protest against post-Brexit trading arrangements.
