“In recent years, however, my experience within the party has become increasingly difficult,” she said
An Ulster Unionist Party councillor has confirmed that she has quit the party and will remain as an independent, after claiming that internal party politics was impacting her mental health.
Kate Evans was first elected to represent the Craigavon DEA on Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon Borough Council in 2023 and was the party’s candidate in the 2024 General Election.
Ms Evans works as Doug Beattie’s constituency office manager and has confirmed that she will continue that work despite not being a party member.
Earlier this month, it was reported that Doug Beattie was facing deselection after the party’s constituency association favoured councillor Kyle Savage to be their candidate in next year’s Assembly election with it later being suggested that the party had intervened and asked the association to reconsider their decision with the expectation that Doug Beattie and Kyle Savage would both run in the constituency, where they had less than one quota at the last election.
Posting on social media, Kate Evans 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.
“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.”
“I will continue my work in the Upper Bann office in support of Doug Beattie MLA, as I have proudly done for more than ten years.
“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.
“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.”
Resharing Kate’s statement, Doug Beattie said he was “sorry” that she felt she 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 well-being.
“I look forward to continuing to work with you in my constituency office, knowing that much of what you do goes unnoticed.”
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