Alliance's Armstrong to step down from politics next year

An Alliance party politician has announced she is stepping down from Stormont after more than 10 years as an MLA.

Kellie Armstrong has been a member of the Northern Ireland Assembly for the Strangford constituency since 2016.

She previously served as a councillor on both Ards Borough Council and Ards and North Down Borough Council from 2013-2016.

Armstrong said she would not seek re-election at next May's assembly election.

The 55 year old said retirement had been on her mind for "a while", adding that it had "truly been an honour to serve the people of Strangford on behalf of Alliance".

She said she will continue in her role as MLA, alongside her colleague Nick Mathison, saying she'll "continue to give 100% for all those who need help in the meantime".

Armstrong said she will "continue to be involved with the party", and she gave thanks to all her "colleagues, particularly the local Alliance elected representatives, and the local party association".

"I also wish to thank my family for their love and backing," she added.

"They have helped me through the highs of being an elected representative, such as bringing the Integrated Education Bill, and the lows of being in the public eye, like receiving abuse and threats online.

"They have been a pillar of support throughout."