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Gary Middleton, a member of the Democratic Unionist Party (DUP), has announced his decision to step down from his role as a Member of the Legislative Assembly (MLA) for Foyle, citing significant mental health difficulties. He will officially resign from his position on Friday, bringing an end to his tenure at Stormont, which began in 2015. During his time in office, Middleton also served briefly as a junior minister and held a position as a councillor prior to his assembly membership.
The DUP leader, Gavin Robinson, expressed his appreciation for Middleton’s dedicated service, highlighting his steadfast commitment to the people of Londonderry and the surrounding areas. Robinson described Middleton as the sole unionist MLA in Foyle and praised his resilience, noting that despite facing threats and pressures, Middleton remained unwavering in representing his constituents and defending his principles.
Middleton himself released a statement explaining that his recent battle with ill health had considerably impaired his ability to perform his duties effectively. He shared his initial hope to return to work but acknowledged that prioritizing his recovery required him to leave public office. Emphasizing the importance of transparency, Middleton expressed his desire for constituents and the wider community to understand that his departure was due to mental health challenges, rather than a quiet withdrawal from politics without explanation.
In addition to revealing the support he has received from treatment, family, and friends, Middleton aimed to offer encouragement to others facing similar struggles by reinforcing that “help is available” and recognizing that “it’s okay not to be okay.” As he steps away from the public arena, he extended his best wishes to fellow public servants across all parties, wishing them well for the future. Following his resignation, the DUP is expected to name his replacement within seven days
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