DUP councillor Julie Middleton tipped to replace husband Gary at Stormont after he steps down today
DUP councillor Julie Middleton, whose husband MLA Gary is standing down from the Assembly, is tipped as his most likely successor after the Londonderry politician’s unexpected announcement that he is leaving public office to focus on his health.
The Foyle MLA will officially resign his seat today, after announcing that he is stepping back from politics as he is suffering “significant mental health challenges”.
DUP sources say that councillor Julie Middleton is his most likely successor, providing she wants to take over the role from her husband.
The outgoing Foyle MLA announced his withdrawal from political life this week, after more than a decade representing the constituency at Stormont.
Mr Middleton said he wanted to be open about the challenges that he has faced to give encouragement to others in a similar situation, but said he cannot focus on his health whilst holding public office.
“I am journeying through a difficult experience and have been for some time. I am receiving treatment thanks to the wonderful services afforded to me by our National Health Service. The support and encouragement from my family and friends, combined with the expert treatment I am receiving has given me hope and I can see a glimmer of light in what has been a very dark tunnel", he said in a statement published on Thursday.
Gary Middleton is expected to formally step down today, leaving just a week for the party to nominate a replacement for his Stormont seat.
In response to his statement, Julie Middleton said her husband “is by far the most brave person I have ever met”.
In a Facebook post, the Faughan councillor said: “We have quietly walked through his very serious mental health difficulties for some time now and whilst it has been very difficult to watch him suffer, I am in awe of his quiet determination and courage.
“I have been with Gary since he first entered politics at age 20. Gary truly gave his life over to public service, all through love and genuine compassion for others. He has achieved many great things for his constituents and the wider constituency, many of these things you probably don't know of, because he is a genuine, humble and good man. He is a genuine inspiration to me, and many others.
“Our little children are overwhelmingly blessed to have him as their Daddy, and for me, I am so blessed to walk through life with the love of my life and very best friend. I will continue to take very good care of him in our private family life”.
Thanking members of the public who had been in touch with the couple, Mrs Middleton added: “I will do everything I can to come back to everyone in due course, but today is a big day in our life story, and we will be spending family time today, quietly and together. We are also hugely thankful for the many prayers received, they have truly carried us and will continue to do so. Thank you.
“On a final note whilst Gary continues to journey through this very dark tunnel, I would like to put on record how hugely thankful I am to the NHS staff who are taking such good care of Gary”.