UUP Councillor quits over party’s ‘grave errors’ on ‘Irish language and inclusiveness’

A former policewoman, and the UUP’s only female councillor on Ards and North Down Council has quit saying she no longer fits “comfortably within political unionism”.

Linzi McLaren, joined the party under former leader Doug Beattie after serving as a police officer for almost two decades.

Ms McLaren, who had been seen by many as a liberal voice within the Ulster Unionist Party said she was quitting over what she called “grave errors” within political unionism around Irish language policy and the role of women in the UUP.

“I believe political unionism has made grave errors in terms of the Irish language and inclusiveness,” she said in a statement.

“Unionism is much more that Protestantism and loyalism, and yet pro-Union voters who do not subscribe to those identities, find themselves politically homeless.

“I no longer feel I fit comfortably within political unionism, or that my progressive aspirations are supported or welcomed.”

Ms McLaren, the party’s only female representative on the council, went on to say that she was “very concerned about the representation of women and the voice afforded to them within the party”.

She went on to confirm that she would not continue her role as an independent and would instead step down altogether to allow the UUP to put forward a new representative for the role.

“I have always been determined to retain my integrity and moral courage, very often in the face of abuse and condemnation. My decision is one of principle,” she said.

“It would be disingenuous for me to continue as an independent councillor and be disrespectful to voters, given I was elected as an Ulster Unionist”.

In a statement, a UUP spokesperson said the party wished Ms McLaren well for the future.

“Councillor Linzi McLaren informed us in recent days that she is resigning from the party and her seat on Ards and North Down Borough Council,” they said in a statement

“We thank Linzi for her service and support throughout her time as a Councillor for Holywood and Clandeboye. She proved herself a very capable individual, winning her seat with an increased vote, a clear reflection of the trust placed in her by the local community.

“It’s never easy putting yourself forward for elected office, and Linzi did so with dedication and integrity. We wish her all the very best for the future”.