A DUP councillor has quit the party saying he wants to focus entirely on the needs and concerns of local people “without being influenced by any wider political agenda”.
Ballymena representative Lawrie Philpott was elected to Mid and East Antrim Borough Council in 2023.
He will now serve as an independent councillor.
He is the second Mid and East Antrim councillor to leave the DUP since the start of the current term.
Carrickfergus Castle member David Clarke was selected by the DUP in October 2023. He initially planned to continue his term as an independent before switching to the TUV.
In a statement, Mr Philpott said: “I have left party politics behind to put people first as an independent councillor.
“This decision has not been an easy one, but I believe it is the right one. My priority has always been – and will always remain – to represent and serve the people of Ballymena to the best of my ability.
“By stepping away from party politics, I can focus entirely on the needs and concerns of local people, without being influenced by any wider political agenda.”
He added that he was committed to working constructively with all colleagues, regardless of political affiliation, to achieve what is best for the town.
The DUP and Mid and East Antrim Borough Council have been asked for a comment.
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