Councillor Darryl Wilson quits Ulster Unionist Party

An Ulster Unionist Party (UUP) councillor who was at the centre of a selection row over an Assembly seat has quit the party.

Causeway Coast and Glens councillor Darryl Wilson revealed on social media that he had left the UUP but would continue as an independent councillor for the Ballymoney area.

"After 12 years of dedication to the Ulster Unionist Party, I have made the decision to resign my membership," Wilson said in a statement on Facebook.

In a statement on Tuesday, the party said it was disappointed by his decision but wished him well.

Wilson said his decision "follows much reflection, particularly after a challenging yet enlightening year in 2024".

Earlier this year, he found himself at the centre of a row over Assembly seat selection that culminated in the resignation of then UUP leader Doug Beattie.

After he was overlooked to replace Robin Swann in the Stormont Assembly, Wilson said he had raised "concerns and questions" over the selection process with the party.

Doug Beattie cited "irreconcilable differences" between him and party officers at the time for his decision to stand down as leader.

Mike Nesbitt replaced Doug Beattie after he was the only candidate who declared an interest in taking the role.

Nesbitt had previously won a contest in 2012 to become leader, but quit in 2017 after disappointing assembly election results.

He is the first person to have held the top job in the UUP twice.

In a statement, a spokesperson for the UUP said: "The Ulster Unionist Party want to thank Councillor Darryl Wilson for his contributions over recent years, both within Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council and his wider political activity for the party.

"While we are disappointed in his decision, we wish him well and know he will continue to be an excellent representative for the people of Causeway Coast and Glens."