Armagh, Banbridge and Craigavon Borough Council votes to erect a statue in memory of late Queen Elizabeth II

The proposal – from Cusher TUV councillor Keith Ratcliffe – was approved by a majority of 25 councillors supporting the proposal and 15 opposing it.

Councillor Ratcliffe who is the TUV’s party chairman, said: “TUV feel that this proposal will create a lasting and fitting memorial to our late Queen, who was loved and respected by many many people right across this Borough.

“Her late Majesty occupies a unique place in history as the longest reigning monarch in our history and she is therefore deserving of unique recognition; if approved this will be the first royal statue in the Borough of ABC.

“ABC Council has the opportunity of being one of the first regions in the UK to mark Queen Elizabeth II’s legacy in this way.

“It was a great honour and privilege for me to bring this motion before the Council Chamber this evening. I am grateful to Alderman Berry for seconding the motion and for the support from council colleagues who ensured the proposal passed will a comfortable majority. I look forward to the work progressing at pace so we can erect a fitting tribute to our late Majesty.”

The proposal, seconded by Independent Unionist, Alderman Paul Berry, read: “We propose that Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon Borough Council recognises the 70 years of service rendered by the late Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, as the United Kingdom’s longest reigning monarch.

“In recognition of her shining example of exemplary selfless service, we the undersigned propose that a substantial permanent memorial be commissioned and located within Armagh City and be in situ before or during 2026.

“We believe that the memorial should depict Queen Elizabeth II during her coronation and that ideally it would be located in a prominent and visible location in Armagh City.

“We further propose that officers prepare a report, taking this matter forward, to include options for design, location, consultation with appropriate groups and identification of a suitable budget as part of the estimates process. This statue will be a fitting tribute by the people of the Borough to the late Monarch.”