South Down MLA Patrick Brown has announced his resignation, stepping down as the South Down Alliance representative with immediate effect due to personal reasons. The former Newry, Mourne and Down District Council Councillor was one of the public representatives behind the original council motion to build a 15 acre park at the Albert Basin in Newry and campaigned strongly on the matter.
Speaking on his decision Mr Brown said “I want to thank the people of South Down, whose support helped me and the local Alliance team substantially grow the party in the constituency.
“It has been an honour to represent local people and help them on important issues. I am proud of my track record as a constituency MLA and remain committed to Alliance values, and look forward to seeing the party continue to grow across Northern Ireland.
“This May, I will have been an elected representative for 10 years and feel the time is right to step aside for personal reasons. I am proud of the work I have done since being elected, including supporting those impacted by flooding, campaigning on environmental and animal welfare issues, and my work on the Windsor Framework and Infrastructure Committees."
The former MLA has offered his continued support to both his party and his co-opted successor in South Down.
An Alliance party spokesperson added “We thank him for his service, which saw him help Alliance make an historic breakthrough in South Down at the Assembly, and wish him well in his future endeavours.”


