Julie Middleton Assumes Role as Foyle MLA
Julie Middleton has officially succeeded her husband as the Democratic Unionist Party (DUP) Member of the Legislative Assembly (MLA) for Foyle, confirmed by the Electoral Office for Northern Ireland.
Gary Middleton's Resignation Due to Health
Gary Middleton announced his resignation from the Northern Ireland Assembly last week, citing the need to address "significant" mental health challenges.
Gary Middleton had served as an MLA at Stormont since 2015 and held a brief tenure as a junior minister in the executive. Prior to his assembly role, he was also elected as a councillor.
Julie Middleton's Political Background
Julie Middleton has been serving as a councillor since 2023 in the Faughan district of Derry City and Strabane District Council.
Statement from Gary Middleton
In a statement released last week, Gary Middleton explained his decision to step down:
"Over the last few months, I have been suffering from a bout of ill-health which has significantly limited my ability to represent my constituents in the way I always have."
"I had hoped to be able to return to work and to recover, but I have come to the point of accepting that if I am to focus on getting back to full health, I cannot do this whilst remaining in public office."
"It would have been easier for me to withdraw from the political arena quietly and without explanation but I wanted my constituents and the wider community to understand that I am leaving public life because I am suffering significant mental health challenges," Middleton continued.
He further noted that he has been receiving treatment and, with the support and encouragement of family and friends, he can now see a "glimmer of light in what has been a very dark tunnel."
