The Ulster Unionist Party (UUP) has announced that Katherine Newman will be their new Bangor West councillor on Ards and North Down Borough Council, replacing Stephen Hollywood, who moved to the Holywood and Clandeboye DEA.
This move comes after Linzi McLaren quit the party and stood down from council, raising concerns about female representation within the Ulster Unionist Party, and saying she felt a lack of support on her ‘progressive aspirations’.
The UUP moved Stephen Hollywood, who was a councillor for Bangor West, to McLaren’s seat in Holywood and Clandeboye – prompting the need for a replacement in the Bangor West DEA.
UUP Leader Mike Nesbitt said: “I am delighted to announce Katherine Newman as the new Ulster Unionist Councillor for the Bangor West DEA. Katherine joins our strong and dedicated team on Ards and North Down Borough Council following Cllr Stephen Hollywood’s successful move to the aptly named DEA of Holywood and Clandeboye.”
He added: “Katherine brings a wealth of experience and a deep understanding of the issues that matter most to local people. Having worked in a local secondary school for a number of years, she is passionate about education and community engagement, and I am confident she will make a significant contribution to representing Bangor West and supporting the wider work of our Council team.”
Councillor Newman said: “I’m honoured to take on this role and excited to get started. I look forward to working hard for the people of Bangor West, the wider council area, and making a positive difference in our community.”
