A Craigavon councillor has resigned from the Ulster Unionist Party after more than a decade of membership, citing the toll of internal party politics on her mental wellbeing.
Kate Evans, who represents the Craigavon area on Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon Borough Council, confirmed she has tendered her resignation from the party and will now serve the remainder of her term as an independent.
In a statement, Cllr Evans – who was elected as councillor in 2023 – said: “It is with great sadness that I have tendered my resignation from the Ulster Unionist Party.
“This has not been an easy decision. For more than a decade, I dedicated myself wholeheartedly to the party, fighting countless elections and working tirelessly on behalf of the people and principles I believed in.
“In recent years, however, my experience within the party has become increasingly difficult. The past number of months, in particular, have been profoundly challenging on a personal level following the loss of my mother, my greatest supporter, closest friend, and the rock of our family.
“During this time, the strain of internal party politics has taken a significant toll on my mental wellbeing, and I have come to the difficult conclusion that stepping away is necessary for my own health.”
She said she leaves the UUP with “many valued friendships” and expressed gratitude for the backing she has received.
“Throughout my years in the party, I have had the privilege of forming many valued friendships. I will always cherish those relationships and remain deeply grateful for the kindness and support shown to me during this difficult period,” she continued.
Cllr Evans confirmed she will remain in her role as a councillor and will also continue her work in the Upper Bann constituency office of MLA Doug Beattie, whom she has supported for more than a decade.
“I will also continue to fulfil the remainder of my mandate as an independent councillor for Craigavon, serving the people who elected me with the same commitment and dedication I have always sought to provide,” she said.
“While my membership of the party may now come to an end, my loyalty remains firmly with the people who stood by me and placed their trust in me.”
Upper Bann MLA Doug Beattie, a former leader of the Ulster Unionist Party, paid tribute to Cllr Evans’s service and said he respected her decision to step away for the sake of her health.
Responding publicly, Mr Beattie said: “Sorry that you felt you had no choice but to leave.
“Over the last 10 years you have served the party and me with unswerving loyalty, commitment and professionalism. Nobody will know what you have had to endure because of that loyalty but in the end you must look after your own wellbeing.
“I look forward to continuing to work with you in my constituency office knowing that much of what you do goes unnoticed.”
Cllr Evans was first elected to Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon Borough Council in the Craigavon DEA in 2023, polling 1,305 first preferences votes and securing her seat on the fifth count.
