The Ulster Unionist Party has selected Councillor Richard Smart as its candidate for Strangford in next May's Assembly election. Cllr Smart, who was born in Newtownards and has represented the town on Ards and North Down Borough Council since 2014, is a former Mayor of the borough.

Ulster Unionist Party Leader Jon Burrows MLA said:

“Strangford could not ask for a better candidate than Councillor Richard Smart, and I am delighted that he has been selected to carry the Ulster Unionist banner.

“Mike Nesbitt has served Strangford with distinction since 2011, as an MLA, as leader of our party and as Health Minister. He leaves a considerable legacy in the constituency and across Northern Ireland, and I want to thank him sincerely for that service. Richard is the right person to build upon it.

“Richard has represented Newtownards on Ards and North Down Borough Council since 2014. Over more than a decade, he has earned a reputation as a councillor who is visible, accessible and gets things done for the people he represents.

“He understands that politics should be about service, hard work and standing up for the people who need it. Our members in Strangford selected Richard because they know his record, trust his judgement and want him speaking for them at Stormont.

“We are building a confident, forward-looking unionism with a clear ambition: a stronger Union and a more successful Northern Ireland. Richard Smart will be an important part of that work, and I have no doubt that he will be an outstanding MLA for Strangford."

Councillor Richard Smart said:

“I am delighted to be standing as the Ulster Unionist Assembly candidate for Strangford.

“Strangford is home to me. I was born in Newtownards, and my roots run right across this beautiful constituency, from Ballynahinch to Ballygowan, from Comber to the Ards Peninsula. I have had the privilege of serving as a Newtownards councillor since 2014 and of serving as Mayor, and during my time as Mayor I made it a priority to champion what unites us: our communities, our people and our shared pride in where we live.

“I am standing because I am passionate about creating opportunity right across our area. Opportunity to start and grow a business, opportunity for more young people to get on the housing ladder, and opportunity to see the regeneration our towns and villages so badly need.

“Opportunity does not happen by accident. It means fighting for our fair share of investment to create local jobs, securing the wastewater infrastructure we need so we can build the homes our people are crying out for, and demanding a fair deal for Strangford on roads and transport, in our towns and right across our rural communities.

“Strangford has the people, the communities and the potential. What we need now is the ambition and the leadership to deliver, and I am ready to work for everyone who calls this place home."

Current Strangford MLA, Mike Nesbitt, said:

“Richard joined my canvass team for the 2011 Assembly elections. He was a total stranger then, but quickly immersed himself in the group, becoming a key and highly valued member. Asking him to lead the constituency office team was a no brainer. Driving up to Stormont for the first time that May, with Richard in the passenger seat, I realised my succession planning was done. So, after 15 years perfecting his skills, he is more than ready to bring his intelligence, analytical ability, loyalty and work ethic to Stormont. I wish him every success.”