DUP MLA stepping down due to 'significant' mental health issues
BBCDemocratic Unionist Party (DUP) politician Gary Middleton has said he is stepping down from the Northern Ireland Assembly to deal with "significant" mental health challenges.
The representative for Foyle will resign as an assembly member (MLA) on Friday.
Middleton has been an MLA at Stormont since 2015 and was briefly a junior minister in the executive. He was also previously elected as a councillor.
DUP leader Gavin Robinson paid tribute to the Foyle politician, saying he had been a "dedicated and steadfast servant to people across the city of Londonderry and surrounding areas".
In a statement, 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," Middleton continued.
He added that he had been receiving treatment and that combined with support and encouragement from family and friends, he could 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," said Middleton.
"I have learned in recent times that it's okay not to be okay.
"As I depart the public stage, I want to wish all those who serve the public and with whom I have had the privilege to serve alongside, regardless of party affiliations, every best wish for the future."
What happens now?
The DUP will have seven days from Middleton's resignation on Friday to announce his replacement.
DUP leader Gavin Robinson said his party colleague had been a "consistent voice for unionism in Foyle" and that he deeply regrets his departure.
He said: "As the sole unionist MLA in Foyle, Gary Middleton has been a dedicated and steadfast servant to people across the city of Londonderry and surrounding areas.
"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."
Robinson added: "Gary's focus must now be on his recovery, and he will have the support of colleagues, both inside and outside our ranks, on his journey."
What have other politicians said?
Other politicians have paid tribute to Middleton on social media.
Stormont's Leader of the Opposition, the SDLP's Matthew O'Toole posted:
"Politics aside, Gary is a courteous and competent colleague and I hope he gets well. Brave of him to be publicly honest and a reminder that all of us are human."
The leader of the UUP, Jon Burrows said that Middleton has "performed an act of public service" by reinforcing the message that "it's ok not to be ok".
Alliance Leader Naomi Long also paid tribute and wished Middleton well for the future.
"Mental health isn't easy to talk about but it's important that we do, and encourage others to ask for help, too, so thank you for being so open."
