Councillor Carole Howard has joined the Ulster Unionist Party. Councillor Howard represents the Titanic District Electoral Area and was previously a member of the Alliance Party and Chair of its East Belfast Association.

Councillor Howard said:

“I am really looking forward to working with Doug and all my new colleagues in the Ulster Unionist Party. This is the right move at the right time for me. I have pro-Union views and feel that I can now openly and comfortably express them to help promote a confident, progressive brand of unionism. I like what Doug is doing and I want to play my part in helping make Northern Ireland a more welcoming society for everyone.

“I will continue to serve the people of East Belfast on Belfast City Council and I would encourage my constituents to continue to contact me with any issues. I will use my past experience in local politics, working on the ground and my professional background to help build a true union of people in Belfast and beyond.

Ulster Unionist Party leader, Doug Beattie MC MLA said:

“I am absolutely delighted that Carole has decided to join the Ulster Unionist Party. Carole is exactly the type of elected representative we want to attract, encourage and promote. She has a long-established track record of dedicated public service and I am glad that she wishes to continue that public service with the Ulster Unionist Party.

“Carole’s enthusiasm and experience will help drive change. I would encourage others who are thinking about it, who want to be part of a driver for change in politics and across society, to join the Ulster Unionist Party as we focus on the reality of creating a union of people across Northern Ireland.”

Ulster Unionist Group leader on Belfast City Council, Alderman Sonia Copeland, said:

“It`s great news that Carole has decided to join the Ulster Unionist group on Belfast City Council and I am really looking forward to working alongside her. She brings a wealth of experience and is well known as a hard worker for her constituents and beyond in Belfast. There are exciting times ahead and it`s very positive that Carole has come on board.”