Derry DUP MLA Gary Middleton to step down to deal with mental health challenges
Gary Middleton is to step down as MLA for Foyle to deal with mental health challenges he has been coping with for some time, he announced on Thursday.
In a statement issued to the Press Association the DUP representative stated: “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.”
The Newbuildings-native said he was ‘journeying through a difficult experience and [had] been for some time’ but was now ‘receiving treatment thanks to the wonderful services afforded to me by our National Health Service’.
“The support and encouragement from my family and friends, combined with the expert treatment I am receiving has given me hope and I can 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.
“I have learned in recent times that it’s okay not to be okay,” he stated.
DUP leader Gavin Robinson said: “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.
“On behalf of the DUP, I want to sincerely thank Gary for his years of service and dedication.”
Though aged just 35, the computer science graduate is a already a veteran of front line politics.
Co-opted onto Derry City Council to replace William Hay aged just 20 in 2010, he was elected to the local authority in 2011 and to the new Derry City and Strabane District Council in 2014.
He served as Deputy Mayor in 2013-14 and in 2014-15, before being co-opted to Stormont in April 2015. At 24 he was the youngest Assembly member back then.
Mr. Middleton was successfully returned in Stormont elections in 2016, 2017 and 2022.
His decade at Stormont included a stint as Junior Minister at The Executive Office.
He stated: “I want to thank all those who have supported me in Foyle over the years and who bestowed the privilege of electing me, first into local government and then to the NI Assembly.
“Finally, I want to thank all my colleagues in the DUP for their support and friendship, to my staff for their loyalty and to my wife and family who have been my rock during this period.
“I will always be grateful for all the support shown to me.”
Mr. Middleton confirmed he will resign on Friday.
“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,” he stated.