The Ulster Unionist Party congratulates Alderman Hazel Legge on her appointment today as President of the Northern Ireland Local Government Association (NILGA) for the 2026/27 term.

Ald Legge paid tribute to NILGA for the support it provides to local councils and said her focus as President will be "partnership with purpose: stronger councils, stronger communities and a stronger voice for local government," alongside the continuing need for local government to be properly recognised as a delivery partner.

In her first address as President, delivered at the NILGA AGM and Executive, she set out her call to action: “To Ministers, Departments and Assembly colleagues, work with us earlier, more openly and more strategically. Bring councils in at the design stage, not at the delivery end. Trust the insight, leadership and democratic mandate that local government brings. To our member councils, continue to share your evidence, experience and ambition with NILGA, so that our advocacy is strong, grounded, credible and impossible to ignore.”