Givan steps down from City Council

Mr Givan has said he will now concentrate on his work with the Northern Ireland Assembly.

Speaking at his last meeting of Lisburn Council on Tuesday night he said, “I have been privileged to serve on Lisburn City Council for the last eight years representing Lisburn North, when at 23 years of age I became the youngest Councillor to ever be elected onto the Council.

“The opportunities to serve as Vice-Chairman of Leisure Services and Chairman of the Corporate Services Committee provided me with invaluable experience that I have been able to use in my role as Chairman of the Justice Committee at Stormont.

“In particular the experience of working on bread and butter issues that are important to people and delivering for them provided me the most satisfaction as a local councillor, which I have been able to continue across Lagan Valley as an MLA.

“As I continue to serve in Stormont as an Assembly Member for Lagan Valley, I will always be grateful for the 1,506 people that started my political career and put their trust in me to represent them. I will be replaced by Scott Carson whom I know will provide the highest levels of representation as a Councillor for Lisburn North.”

Commenting on his co-option to the council Scott Carson said: “I am privileged to have been appointed to replace Paul Givan.

“I count it an honour to be selected to replace such a talented local politician who has represented his constituents with the utmost diligence during his time in local government.”

Mr Carson added: “I look forward to the challenge of representing the people of Lisburn North both in the Council chamber and more importantly on the ground with issues that affect their daily lives.

“As a resident of the area and having worked with community organisations, I am familiar with the needs of our community. Replacing a Councillor who has served for eight years will be a tall order but I look to it with a great sense of anticipation and enthusiasm.”