Larne Councillor Lyons will replace Sammy Wilson as East Antrim MLA

Last week, Mr Wilson revealed he is to step down from the Stormont Assembly to concentrate on his role as MP for the area.

Reacting to his selection success, Cllr Lyons stated: “It is a huge honour and a privilege to have been selected to replace Sammy as an MLA for East Antrim. “Having served part of the constituency in council I look forward now to being able to work for and represent people right across the constituency.

“East Antrim is a great place to live, work and visit. We want to see it improve and make the lives of people we represent better.

“I look forward to playing my role in that as part of the DUP team at Stormont.

“Although I will be resigning as a Mid and East Antrim Councillor I will continue to work closely with council colleagues and with Sammy as our MP,” he concluded.

East Antrim MP Sammy Wilson added: “I have worked closely with Gordon over a number of years and know how dedicated he is to the constituency.

“Having established himself as a hard-working Councillor, he will be an excellent representative for East Antrim.

“As one of our youngest Assembly Members he will also bring enthusiasm and a fresh perspective to the Assembly chamber.”

DUP Leader Peter Robinson commented: “Whilst we will miss Sammy’s experience and expertise within the Assembly I am delighted to welcome Gordon as part of our Assembly team.

“As a representative for the Coast Road DEA he has taken a lead within the Mid and East Antrim Borough Council on many issues and I know that he will be a valuable asset to our Assembly Group.”