Alliance MLA Patrick Brown Resigns from South Down Seat in Northern Ireland Assembly

Patrick Brown, an Alliance Party Member of the Legislative Assembly (MLA) for South Down, announced his immediate resignation from the Northern Ireland Assembly on April 24, 2024. Brown cited personal reasons for his decision to step down from the seat he has held since being elected to Stormont in 2022.

In a statement, Brown expressed appreciation for the opportunity to serve the people of South Down and highlighted his accomplishments during his tenure. "I am proud of the work I have done over the past 10 years as an elected representative, including supporting those impacted by flooding, campaigning on environmental and animal welfare issues, and my contributions to the Windsor Framework and Infrastructure Committees," he said.

Prior to his election to the Assembly, Brown served as a councillor on the Newry, Mourne and Down District Council starting in 2014. His resignation comes as a setback to the Alliance Party, which made significant gains in South Down with Brown's election in 2022.

An Alliance Party spokesperson expressed regret over Brown's resignation, stating, "We thank Patrick for his service and the party's advancement in South Down. Under Stormont's rules, the party will be able to co-opt someone to fill the vacant seat without the need for a by-election, and a replacement must be selected within seven days."

Why this matters: Brown's resignation leaves a vacancy in the Northern Ireland Assembly and marks a setback for the Alliance Party's representation in South Down. The party will need to select a replacement MLA to maintain its presence and continue its work in the constituency.

Brown affirmed his ongoing support for the Alliance Party and his eventual successor, saying, "I will continue to support the Alliance Party and whoever succeeds me in the MLA role." In 2023, Brown faced censure from the local government commissioner for standards over comments he made about an interview process for a council chief executive, for which he issued a written apology following an investigation.

Key Takeaways

• Patrick Brown, Alliance Party MLA for South Down, resigns citing personal reasons.
• Brown served as MLA since 2022 and previously as a local councillor since 2014.
• His resignation is a setback for the Alliance Party, which made gains in South Down.
• The party will co-opt a replacement MLA within 7 days to fill the vacant seat.
• In 2023, Brown faced censure over comments about a council chief executive interview.