TUV have announced four of their candidates who will represent the party in the upcoming council elections in Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon Council.
Keith Ratcliffe will stand in Cusher, Jonathan Beattie in Armagh, Brian Moorhead will contest Banbridge and Samuel Morrison will carry the TUV standard in Lagan River.
Keith Ratcliffe is a local businessman with 20 years experience. Delivering the highest customer standards in his award winning business, Keith has the skills to deliver results for Cusher constituents. Keith has a young family which drives his motivation for seeking election, as he wants to ensure our children have the best available to them. Keith is a strong and committed Unionist and is determined to ensure that those clear and consistent principles are better represented in Council. Last year, he shocked the political establishment by coming within a handful of votes of capturing a second seat for Unionism in Newry and Armagh.
Jonathan Beattie is a 50 year old father of three and has lived in the Armagh area his entire life. He attended Killylea Primary and Armagh Secondary. Jonathan is a longtime member of Cavanapole Purple Star LOL 297 and past member of the Crozier Memorial Pipe Band . Jonathan is involved with Cavanapole Historical and Cultural Group including assisting in organising fundraising events.
Brian Moorhead is married to Caroline. The couple have two children, Rebekah and Matthew.
A man with deep roots in the local area, Brian was born and bred in Loughbrickland where he still lives today. He attended school in Loughbrickland and Banbridge. He has worked in retail for 15 years and is a member of Banbridge and District Horticultural Society. He exhibits at the local show and is a keen gardener. Passionate about his heritage and culture, Brian is a member of the Loyal Orders.
Samuel is married to Esther with two daughters. Living in Dromore, Samuel is deeply involved within the community, a serving district officer in the Orange Order and active in his local church.
A graduate of Ulster University and Queen’s, Samuel has worked as Jim Allister’s personal assistant for the past 15 years. He is also TUV press officer.
Commenting on the announcement, party leader Jim Allister said:
“I am delighted to be able to offer a lineup of strong candidates in Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon Council area. This is an area where TUV made considerable progress in last year’s Assembly election and we look forward to building on that by securing council seats in May.
“People appreciate the clarity TUV offer. With TUV you know that we won’t say one thing before the election and another the day after. TUV have shaped the debate within Unionism when it comes to the Windsor Whitewash and provided leadership while others have contemplated going back to being Protocol implementers. Only a strong vote for TUV will ensure Unionism resolve does not weaken.
“I am also confident that this lineup of candidates offers people the chance to vote for councillors with real ability and a desire to deliver for their local areas. I look forward to seeing them secure TUV representation on the council in May”.