Foyle MLA Gary Middleton has announced he will step down from the Northern Ireland Assembly on Friday after opening up about ‘significant mental health challenges’.
In a statement, the Democratic Unionist Party (DUP) MLA said: “Over the last few months, I have been suffering from a bout of ill-health which has significantly limited my ability to represent my constituents in the way I always have.
“I had hoped to be able to return to work and to recover but I have come to the point of accepting that if I am to focus on getting back to full health, I cannot do this whilst remaining in public office.
“It would have been easier for me to withdraw from the political arena quietly and without explanation but I wanted my constituents and the wider community to understand that I am leaving public life because I am suffering significant mental health challenges.
“I am journeying through a difficult experience and have been for some time. I am receiving treatment thanks to the wonderful services afforded to me by our National Health Service. The support and encouragement from my family and friends, combined with the expert treatment I am receiving has given me hope and I can see a glimmer of light in what has been a very dark tunnel.”
Mr Middleton, who has been a DUP MLA since 2015, emphasised that “it’s ok not to be ok” and said he wants to highlight to others that may be on a similar journey that help is available.
Before entering the Assembly, Middleton was a councillor on Derry City and Strabane District Council and also served as Deputy Mayor between 2013 and 2015.
In 2021, he briefly served as a Junior Minister in the Executive Office.
Democratic Unionist Party (DUP) leader Gavin Robinson said: “As the sole unionist MLA in Foyle, Gary Middleton has been a dedicated and steadfast servant to people across the city of Londonderry and surrounding areas. Since 2015, he has been a strong and consistent voice in the Northern Ireland Assembly and was never afraid to stand up for what he believed was right.
“Elected in May 2011 as a Councillor at just 20 years of age, Gary was often the youngest in the room but earned the respect of colleagues through his incredible ability to articulate the concerns of the people of Foyle.
“In being such a clear and consistent voice for Unionism in Foyle, Gary has at times faced threats from republicans. That pressure never silenced him nor deterred him, he continued to stand firm for his constituents and his principles.
“While we deeply regret that Gary is leaving public service, we will do all we can to support him. Gary’s focus must now be on his recovery, and he will have the support of colleagues, both inside and outside our ranks, on his journey.
“On behalf of the Democratic Unionist Party, I want to sincerely thank Gary for his years of service and dedication. Many people in the Foyle constituency have been positively impacted as a result of Gary’s devotion to his community. We wish him every blessing for the days ahead.”
The DUP have until Friday 16 April to co-opt a replacement for Mr Middleton. The Belfast Telegraph are reporting that the favourite to replace him is his wife, Cllr Julie Middleton.
