Party leader Sir Jeffrey Donaldson has expressed his delight at the appointment of Cheryl Brownlee as the new East Antrim MLA. Brownlee, who has served as a councillor for almost 10 years, has been praised for her dedication and energy in representing the people of Carrickfergus. She also worked closely with David Hilditch in his constituency office, providing her with valuable insight into the issues faced by the local community.
Brownlee’s commitment to helping her community is evident in her previous role as an on-call firefighter. Sir Jeffrey Donaldson has acknowledged her as a valuable addition to the DUP’s Assembly team and praised her as part of a new generation of representatives.
In response to her appointment, Brownlee expressed her gratitude and stated her intention to continue the tradition of hard work and delivery set by her predecessor, David Hilditch. She also thanked Sir Jeffrey and the wider party for their trust and support and looked forward to representing all the people of East Antrim.
Brownlee takes over from David Hilditch, who recently retired from politics due to health reasons. Hilditch had been an MLA since 1998, making him one of the few remaining MLAs from the first assembly.
East Antrim MP Sammy Wilson also welcomed Brownlee’s appointment, highlighting her dedication to the people of Carrick and her involvement in community work. He emphasized the important role she will play as part of a strong DUP team focused on the issues affecting the local community and Northern Ireland as a whole.
Gordon Lyons, the East Antrim MLA, echoed Wilson’s sentiments and praised Brownlee’s work on mental health and community development. He commended her for actively seeking solutions to problems rather than just identifying them. Lyons believes that her presence in the Assembly will be a valuable asset to the DUP team.
With over a decade of experience in local politics, Brownlee has previously served as Deputy Mayor of Mid and East Antrim Borough Council and worked as a policy researcher in the Northern Ireland Assembly. Her appointment as East Antrim MLA further solidifies her commitment to serving the interests of her constituents.