The Democratic Unionist Party has today confirmed that their new Member of the Legislative Assembly for East Antrim will be Cheryl Brownlee.
Brownlee has served as a councillor on Mid and East Antrim Borough Council since 2014, and worked for David Hilditch as a researcher and office manager.
She also works for the Northern Ireland Fire & Rescue Service, as an on-call firefighter.
She replaces David Hilditch, who announced his retirement last week, due to health reasons.
In a statement released today, the leader of the DUP, Sir Jeffrey Donaldson said:
“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. 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”
Cheryl Brownlee MLA said:
“I am pleased and honoured to take up a new role as MLA for East Antrim. 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. 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.”
Her colleague in East Antrim, Gordon Lyons MLA also welcomed her selection:
“I’m delighted that Cheryl has been selected to serve as an MLA for East Antrim. She has been a fantastic councillor and her work on issues such as mental health and community development have been well recognised.
Cheryl isn’t someone who just identifies a problem but gets out there and seeks solutions to help. She is a strong and articulate advocate, not just for constituents, but for the pro-Union case. I know her Council colleagues will miss her presence within Mid & East Antrim, but she will be a fantastic addition to the DUP team in the Assembly.”
MP for East Antrim, Sammy Wilson said:
“Cheryl is a fantastic Councillor and a worker for the people of Carrick. She was involved in community work before she stood for election and she has never changed that focus throughout her time as a Councillor.
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.”
