A new face but a familiar name as a new councillor is appointed in Lisburn

However, the name ‘Craig’ will not leave the council chamber as it will be his wife, Yvonne, who will take over the Lisburn North seat.

“I have always known since the last election that the Party policy is quite clear that by the next election no MLAs will be sitting councillors,” explained Mr Craig.

In addition to his increased workload as MLA and Party spokesperson on policing issues, Mr Craig said it was important that whoever took over his seat be given adequate time to raise their profile before the next council election.

In total seven candidates submitted their CVs to be considered for the post and it was the Party officers who took the decision to co-opt Jonathan’s wife, Yvonne, onto Lisburn City Council.

“Our Party leader approached me about coming into the process and stressed the need to have more women in politics,” explained Yvonne, who works in Lisburn as a paramedic.

“That made me start to think seriously about what I could bring to Lisburn City Council. I feel a woman can bring a different side to every debate, a different way of thinking.”

Yvonne hopes to carry on the good work her husband has begun during his time in office, but she also has many issues that are close to her heart, particularly that of road safety.

“I would love to be involved in the Road Safety Committee,” she continued. “I have to pick up the pieces after traffic accidents and the promotion of road safety is very important to me.”

Other key issues for the new Lisburn Councillor include crime, particularly domestic burglary, education, the retention of the Lagan Valley Hospital and the promotion of Lisburn as a whole.

As well as her work as a paramedic, Yvonne is also the press officer for a local Marie Curie Cancer Care fundraising group and is heavily involved in church work. She is particularly looking forward to getting to know people in the Lisburn North area and is keen to start her new role at the beginning of November.