DUP's Gary Middleton stands down as Foyle MLA following 'significant mental health challenges'
Gary Middleton will resign his Assembly seat tomorrow to focus on his recovery, after announcing that he has been suffering from mental health issues which have “significantly limited” his ability to represent his constituents.
The DUP MLA for Foyle says that he wanted to be open about the challenges that he has faced to give encouragement to others who may be in a similar situation, but he cannot focus on his health whilst in public office.
Mr Middleton, who has served at Stormont for over a decade, said in a statement that he is leaving public life because he is “suffering significant mental health challenges”.
Party leader Gavin Robinson MP thanked the Londonderry representative for years of service and dedication, saying he had been “a dedicated and steadfast servant” to the people of the city and beyond.
The DUP boss said that while the party deeply regrets that the Foyle MLA is leaving public service, “we will do all we can to support him”.
In a statement released to the media by his party, Gary Middleton said: “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.
“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.
“In making this statement I want to give encouragement to those who may be on a similar journey by highlighting that help is available. I have learned in recent times that it’s ok not to be ok.
“I want to thank all those who have supported me in Foyle over the years and who bestowed the privilege of electing me, first into Local Government and then to the Northern Ireland Assembly.
“Finally, I want to thank all my colleagues in the DUP for their support and friendship, to my staff for their loyalty and to my wife and family who have been my rock during this period. I will always be grateful for all the support shown to me”.
He wished everyone he has worked alongside, regardless of party affiliations, “every best wish for the future”.
Reacting to Mr Middleton’s departure, Gavin Robinson MP said he has been “a strong and consistent voice” in the Assembly, and “was never afraid to stand up for what he believed was right”.
The East Belfast MP said: “In being such a clear and consistent voice for Unionism in Foyle, Gary has at times faced threats from republicans. That pressure never silenced him nor deterred him, he continued to stand firm for his constituents and his principles.
“While we deeply regret that Gary is leaving public service, we will do all we can to support him”.