DUP councillor quits party to 'put people first'

Councillor Lawrie Philpott will now serve as an independent

A Democratic Unionist Party (DUP) councillor has resigned from the party, saying he wanted to focus "entirely on the needs and concerns of local people" without being influenced by party politics.

Lawrie Philpott was elected as a representative for Ballymena on Mid and East Antrim Borough Council in 2023.

He will now serve as an independent - bringing the number of independent representatives on the council to three.

He is the second councillor to leave the DUP on Mid and East Antrim Council since the start of the current term, following David Clarke's departure in January 2024.

No influence from 'political agenda'

On Monday, Philpott said he had now "left party politics behind to put people first".

"This decision has not been an easy one, but I believe it is the right one," he said.

"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."

Philpott said he was committed to working with other colleagues "regardless of political affiliation" to achieve the best for Ballymena.

"I will continue to work hard for the people of Ballymena, listening to concerns and doing my best to get things done," he added.

A DUP spokesperson said the party had received Philpott's resignation and wished him well.