Oldpark councillor JJ Magee has had the whip restored by Sinn Féin followed a decision by the Northern Ireland Local Government Commissioner for Standards.
In November 2024, the Belfast City Councillor was suspended from the party following an allegation of inappropriate messages with a minor.
A statement released by Niall Murphy from KRW Law stated: “Whereas we were confident that there could be no resolution to this complaint other than Councillor Magee’s absolute and unambiguous exoneration, we welcome this fact, nonetheless.”
It continued,”We can confirm that the NILGCS have now joined the PSNI and Social Services in confirming that Councillor Magee has no case whatsoever to answer.”
We confirm that following an independent and in depth NILGCS investigation, our client Councillor JJ Magee has been absolutely and unambiguously exonerated of all allegations made against him. Cllr Magee has had the SF whip restored and looks forward to resuming his civic duties. pic.twitter.com/YA0v402K8j
— KRW Law Human Rights (@KRWLaw) January 25, 2025
Councillor Magee said: “I am relieved that this process has come to an end. The last few months have been an absolute nightmare for me and my family.”
“These unfounded and false allegations came as a complete shock to me, and I am still in disbelief that this has all happened. This concerted attempt to destroy my reputation was unsuccessful, however, the whole ordeal was deeply stressful.”
Sinn Féin’s national chairperson, Declan Kearney MLA, confirmed that the party has restored the whip to Mr Magee.
He said: “The suspension without prejudice applied to Cllr JJ Magee has been lifted with immediate effect, and the Council Group whip has been restored.
“The investigation by the Local Government Commissioner for Standards concluded that in light of its own considerations, and decisions by both the PSNI and Social Services to take no action, there is no evidence that Cllr Magee failed to comply with the Local Government Code.”
He concluded: “Cllr JJ Magee’s membership of Sinn Féin has been fully restored, and he will return to continue playing a positive role in Belfast City Council.”
