DUP's Jimmy Spratt to quit as MLA on health grounds

DUP MLA Jimmy Spratt said it had been an "honour and privilege" to represent his constituents

A DUP MLA who has been battling bowel cancer will leave the Northern Ireland Assembly at the end of September.

Jimmy Spratt, the party's South Belfast assemblyman, has spoken publicly about his illness and is to retire on health grounds.

He was elected in 2007 and has been a member of the Policing Board and chair of the regional development committee.

DUP leader Peter Robinson said Mr Spratt had been a "vital part of the DUP team".

Mr Spratt said it had been an "honour and privilege" to represent his constituents.

"Whilst I am sad that the public representative chapter of my life is now closing, my health must take precedence over the unrelenting nature of an MLA's schedule," he said.

"To make a full recovery it is essential that my workload is lessened."

Mr Robinson added that he wished his "friend and colleague" well as he steps back from public life.