Timothy Gaston was today co-opted to the TUV’s North Antrim Assembly seat following Jim Allister’s election to Westminster.
Mr Gaston said:
“I am humbled to have the confidence of the local branch and party officers as I make the step from 11 years in local government to representing the people of North Antrim in the Stormont Assembly.
“I bring with me enthusiasm for delivering diligent constituency work and a hunger for ensuring the public get value for money. I leave Mid and East Antrim Borough Council knowing that there is still much work to do but resting in the knowledge that the TUV team will continue to expose the financial failings and call out the hard issues others shy away from.
“I look forward to taking up the mantle of providing that authentic voice of Traditional Unionism within Stormont that Jim has provided since first elected in 2011.
“TUV is known for its resolute stand for Northern Ireland’s place within the United Kingdom and I will continue the fight against the Sea Border from within Stormont while Jim ensures that Westminster is held to account on the issue. Equal citizenship is a core TUV demand.
“I also want to assure TUV supporters that I remain fully committed to our founding principles, opposing terrorists in government and I pledge to be a strong advocate for traditional family values. When some like to talk about their pro-life credentials during elections, I am committed to continue Jim’s work on the issue demanding, for example, full transparency about abortion statistics in Northern Ireland.
“I want to build on Jim’s record of standing up for innocent victims and look forward to continuing his delivery for this neglected section of society.
“I am conscious that I was nominated for this position just after we celebrated the Glorious Revolution. I treasure the principles of civil and religious liberty which have been cherished for three centuries but are now under attack. I will not be found wanting in defending these values.
“This is a milestone moment for Unionism, while others focus on protecting and preserving the institutions TUV will continue to focus on full restoration of our place within the United Kingdom.”
TUV leader Jim Allister KC MP added:
“Timothy Gaston has proven himself as the scourge of squander and mismanagement in MEA Council and so is well equipped to step up to do the same in the Assembly.
I am delighted to be replaced by someone as experienced and able as Timothy.
Now with both a TUV MP and MLA in North Antrim we will be able to step up our all important service to the constituents of North Antrim.”
Note to editors
Timothy Gaston was first elected to represent the loyalist heartland of Bannside on Mid and East Antrim BC in 2014. He is married to Rebekah and has three young boys (Jesse 3, Tate 2), and the youngest Brooks who was born just a month ago. The family live in Glarryford which is nestled in the beating heart of Traditional Unionism in North Antrim.