Green Party councillor Rachel Woods is to resign from Ards and North Down Council

Green Party councillor Rachel Woods is set to resign from Ards and North Down Council at the end of October. She is currently elected as a councillor in Holywood and Clandeboye.

Ms Woods was previously elected as an MLA for North Down, between 2019 to 2022. She was most recently elected as a councillor in the May 2023 local elections.

The Green Party Northern Ireland released a statement on their website earlier today.

“It has been my honour and privilege to serve local people as a Councillor and MLA 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 through being your elected representative. 

“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.

“It was and always will be my immense privilege to serve for the people of Holywood and Clandeboye, and for North Down, for the Green Party NI and it is with a heavy heart that I leave this position.”

– Cllr Rachel Woods

The leader of the Green Party said:

“The Green Party team in North Down has achieved so much, despite our size. Rachel has made such an impact locally, getting the council to declare a Climate Emergency in the Borough, introduced a ban on single use plastics internally, brought a water refill scheme, ensured sanitary bins were installed in public toilets, lobbied for the living wage, against further privatisation of our services, challenged our planning system, and supported all those that have been in contact for assistance to her utmost ability. 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. “

– Mal O’Hara, leader of the Green Party NI