Green Party NI representative Rachel Woods to resign as councillor on Ards and North Down Borough Council

In a statement confirming the news, the 34-year-old revealed she is resigning from her position at the end of October to "take up a new role".

Woods served as a councillor on Ards and North Down Borough Council from 2016 until her selection as an MLA in 2019.

However, she lost her seat in the 2022 Northern Ireland Assembly election to Connie Egan of the Alliance party.

"It has been my honour and privilege to serve local people as a councillor and MLA for seven years," she said.

"I have wholly dedicated my time and energy to people, communities and our local environment and I will never forget the experiences and opportunities offered to me through being your elected representative.

"As an MLA, I brought legislative change to a raft of Bills and Acts, on Stalking, Sexual Offences, Domestic Abuse and within the hospitality industry. I am one of the few representatives to have brought a Private Members Bill introducing life saving legislation for victims and survivors of domestic abuse, for paid leave from work as a day one employment right.

"I also brought in changes to the Domestic Abuse Act, adding in protections for children and young people and introducing a legal aid waiver for victims of abuse going through the courts.

"I exposed the level of pollution in our waters and have consistently fought for improved biodiversity, environmental protection and a fair and just society where rights and voices are respected and promoted.

"It was and always will be my immense privilege to serve for the people of Holywood and Clandeboye, and for North Down, for the Green Party NI and it is with a heavy heart that I leave this position."

Green Party leader Mal O'Hara admitted that whilst the party is sad to see Ms Woods move on, they know she will "continue to make positive change".

He said: "The Green Party team in North Down has achieved so much, despite our size.

"Rachel has made such an impact locally, getting the council to declare a Climate Emergency in the Borough, introduced a ban on single use plastics internally, brought a water refill scheme, ensured sanitary bins were installed in public toilets, lobbied for the living wage, against further privatisation of our services, challenged our planning system, and supported all those that have been in contact for assistance to her utmost ability.

"She has consistently challenged and questioned, lobbying for much needed change in how we manage our local environment and our services to community, fighting for a greener, cleaner and fairer society."