Second SDLP councillor resigns over mayor selection row

Shauna Cusack will continue as an independent councillor

A second SDLP councillor on Derry and Strabane District Council has resigned from the party.

Shauna Cusack, who has been a councillor since 2013, has said she will continue as an independent.

Earlier this week councillor Jason Barr also resigned from the party.

Both have been critical of the party’s selection process for the next council mayor, saying it was undemocratic.

The SDLP has selected councillor Lilian Seenoi-Barr as the next mayor.

In a joint statement issued on Monday, councillors Cusack and Barr, the current deputy mayor, said they had both intended to run for the position of mayor.

However, they said they had been rejected as candidates for the role, "removing us from the process and competition, in order to put only one candidate forward for the post”.

In a statement on social media on Wednesday, Ms Cusack said she had “wrestled with this decision for over a week” and said resigning from the party is the “only way I can realistically move forward with dignity, confidence and self-respect”.

She added: “The events leading to this decision have been well publicised so there is no need for further explanation.

“I am saddened that I was not deemed worthy to even compete for the opportunity to represent the city and district that I love, but I believe I am still worthy to work for you, albeit from the streets as opposed to a mayor’s parlour”.

The SDLP said it will not be commenting on the latest resignation.

Lilian Seenoi-Barr first joined Derry City and Strabane District Council in 2021

Ms Cusack said the decision not to hold a ballot for mayor was “a skewed turn of events”.

Ms Seenoi-Barr is set to become Northern Ireland's first black mayor.

Councillor Cusack added that she "will make the role her own and work for everyone with the energy and ambition she is renowned for".

"I wish her and the party the very best going forward," Ms Cusack said.

Speaking earlier this week SDLP leader and Foyle MP Colum Eastwood described Ms Seenoi-Barr as "a fierce and compassionate advocate for everyone she meets".

He said this is "a historic moment" and Ms Seenoi-Barr "will be an incredible mayor".

Ms Seenoi-Barr will succeed Sinn Féin's Patricia Logue.