A Sinn Fein councillor has resigned from Lisburn and Castlereagh City Council (LCCC) due to "personal reasons".
Lisburn North rep, Paul Burke was elected to the chamber at the last local elections in 2023 when Sinn Fein doubled its representation from two to four seats.
The health care worker became the first ever elected Sinn Fein councillor to the DEA (district electoral area) of Lisburn North by topping the poll.
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The Local Democracy Reporting Service (LDRS) understands that Cllr Burke has given official notice to the council of his intention to step down from Thursday October 31.
LCCC has already taken action by removing the former councillor's photograph and details from its website.
Sinn Féin has now selected a new councillor, Declan Lynch who ccurrently works for Deirdre Hargey MLA, to replace outgoing Lisburn North rep.
Cllr Lynch said:“It’s a great privilege to be selected by Sinn Féin to represent people across the Lisburn North area on Lisburn and Castlereagh City Council."
The Lisburn resident is a well known and popular sportsman representing his club Lámh Dhearg and for almost 15 years, as well as captaining his Co Antrim from 2019 - 2021.
He added: “I want to wish outgoing representative Paul Burke the best as he steps back from his role due to personal reasons. I know Paul will continue to work hard for communities as a Sinn Féin activist.
“As an incoming councillor, I am determined to work hard with the local community to deliver first-class council services and positive change for workers and families in Lisburn North.”
The LDRS contacted Cllr Burke and LCCC for comment.
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