THE Green Party's Rachel Woods has announced she is to stand down as a councillor in Ards and North Down at the end of the month.
Ms Woods was elected to represent the Holywood and Clandeboye DEA at Ards and North Down Borough Council in May.
She had previously served as a councillor for the area after being co-opted in 2016 and keeping her seat in 2019's council election, but later that year replaced outgoing Green Party leader Steven Agnew as a North Down MLA at Stormont.
She lost her Stormont seat following last year's Assembly election.
Announcing her departure from the council "with a heavy heart", Ms Woods said it had been her "honour and privilege" to serve people as a political rep for seven years.
"I have wholly dedicated my time and energy to people, communities and our local environment and I will never forget the experiences and opportunities offered to me," she said.
"As an MLA, I brought legislative change to a raft of Bills and Acts, on Stalking, Sexual Offences, Domestic Abuse and within the hospitality industry. I am one of the few representatives to have brought a Private Members Bill introducing life-saving legislation for victims and survivors of domestic abuse, for paid leave from work as a day one employment right.
"I also brought in changes to the Domestic Abuse Act, adding in protections for children and young people and introducing a legal aid waiver for victims of abuse going through the courts. I exposed the level of pollution in our waters and have consistently fought for improved biodiversity, environmental protection and a fair and just society where rights and voices are respected and promoted."
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Green Party leader Mal O'Hara praised Ms Woods' work as a councillor in Ards and North Down, including the introduction of a ban on single-use plastics by the local authority, among other achievements.
"She has consistently challenged and questioned, lobbying for much needed change in how we manage our local environment and our services to community, fighting for a greener, cleaner and fairer society. As Greens we are sad to see Rachel move on but we know she will continue to make positive change," he said.
