Alliance MLA Kellie Armstrong announces she will not seek re-election
Alliance Party MLA Kellie Armstrong has said she will retire from politics next year.
The Strangford representative confirmed she would not be standing in the 2027 Assembly election.
Ms Armstrong was first elected to the Assembly in 2016, having previously been a councillor.
"It has truly been an honour to serve the people of Strangford on behalf of Alliance," she said.
"I have been thinking about retiring for a while, and so it was with great sadness I made the decision the 2027 election is the right time for me to retire from politics.
"I will continue as an MLA, with my colleague Nick Mathison , to serve Strangford constituents until the dissolution of the Assembly, and promise I and my constituency staff will continue to give 100% for all those who need help in the meantime."
Ms Armstrong highlighted the Integrated Education Bill, which she introduced to the Assembly, as a political high, while saying threats and abuse she has received online were a low.
She added: "I want to thank every single person who voted for me over the years and allowed me the privilege of representing them over the years.
"I will continue to be involved with the party, and wish Nick and my successor every best wish in serving the people of this great constituency to the highest possible standards."