Sinn Féin MP Mickey Brady not seeking re-election

Mickey Brady has been an MP for Newry and Armagh since 2015

Sinn Féin MP Mickey Brady has said he will not be standing for re-election to Westminster.

Mr Brady first became an MLA in 2007 after working for the Confederation of Community Groups in Newry.

He was elected to Westminster as an MP for Newry and Armagh in 2015 and was re-elected in 2017 and 2019.

First Minister Michelle O'Neill has paid tribute to his contribution.

"I want to thank Mickey for his lifelong contribution, for a life activism, friendship and for his warmth and kindness and I wish him and his family all the very best for the future.

"Mickey has spent his life fighting for a fair and equal society, and was steadfast in his support for the Good Friday Agreement and delivering real change," she added.

Mr Brady previously served on Stormont's health committee and as deputy chair of the Department for Social Development committee.

Northern Ireland elects 18 MPs to the House of Commons.

The Democratic Unionist Party (DUP) currently has eight seats and Sinn Féin holds seven, while the Social Democratic and Labour Party (SDLP) has two and the Alliance Party holds one seat.

Sinn Féin MP Francie Molloy has also said he will not be standing in the upcoming Westminster elections.

In January, Sinn Féin MP Michelle Gildernew announced she would be running for a seat in the European Parliament.

She will contest the Midlands-North West constituency, with elections scheduled for 7 June.