Fermanagh and South Tyrone DUP MLA Deborah Erskine steps back from role on medical advice as she expects first child

A DUP MLA has decided to temporarily step back from her role on medical advice as she prepares to give birth to her first child.

Fermanagh and South Tyrone MLA Deborah Erskine said she made the decision partly because there is no formal maternity leave for MLAs.

placeholder image — DUP MLA Deborah Erskine is stepping back from her role on medical advice as she expects her first child.

Speaking on social media, she said: "As many of you know, I and my husband are expecting our first baby — an exciting but also challenging time as I balance this new chapter with the demands of public life. Behind the scenes, I have had to reevaluate many things over the last 7-8months to ensure I and my baby were healthy and happy.

"This week I received a health reality check and, on medical advice, I’ve had to step back from Stormont duties earlier than planned. While MLAs don’t have formal maternity leave (except a recent mechanism whereby I can allocate someone to vote on my behalf during Assembly votes), like any parent, I always intended to take time with my family after the birth of the baby, and now that will begin a little earlier.

"One day soon we look forward to sharing, hopefully happy news of our little arrival, which we have prayed for many times. Until then I must take some time to rest and relax. I treasure my private life with my husband and ask for your understanding as we focus on family and prepare for our little one’s arrival.”

She put on record her “deepest gratitude to the amazing healthcare staff” looking after her.

An assembly motion she tabled for a debate about Emergency General Surgery at the South West Acute Hospital in Enniskillen will be taken forward by her party in her absence, she said. Her constituency office remains open as normal where her experienced team will continue to support constituents, while her office will be in touch about any meetings already arranged.

The MLA can still be reached by social media, on [email protected] or on 028 6632 0722, she added.

She concluded by making it ”abundantly clear” that she is not stepping down as an MLA for Fermanagh and South Tyrone and will return to the Assembly when ready.