DUP MLA Gary Middleton Resigns from Stormont to Focus on Mental Health Recovery
DUP Member of the Legislative Assembly Gary Middleton has announced his resignation from the Northern Ireland Assembly, citing significant mental health challenges that have limited his ability to represent his constituents in the Foyle constituency — and using his departure to send a powerful message that "it's okay not to be okay."
Middleton, who has served as an MLA since 2015 and was first elected to Derry City Council in 2011 at the age of 20, announced his decision on 8 April. His resignation will take effect on Friday 11 April. He is one of the longest-serving DUP representatives in the Foyle area and was the youngest member of the Northern Ireland Assembly when he was co-opted in April 2015 at the age of 24.
In His Own Words
In a statement released to the Press Association, Middleton said he had been suffering from ill-health for several months, which had significantly hindered his ability to represent his constituents. He had initially hoped to recover and return to work, but came to realise that he could not achieve full health while remaining in public office.
He chose to make his mental health challenges public to help his constituents and the wider community understand his departure, and to encourage others facing similar struggles to seek help. "It's okay not to be okay," he said, adding that he had found hope through the support of his family, friends, and expert treatment through the National Health Service.
DUP Leader's Tribute
DUP leader Gavin Robinson paid tribute to Middleton, describing him as a "dedicated and steadfast servant" to the people of Londonderry and the surrounding areas. Robinson said Middleton had been "a strong and consistent voice for unionism in Foyle since 2015, who was never afraid to stand up for his beliefs, even in the face of threats from republicans."
Robinson expressed the party's regret at Middleton's departure and affirmed that the DUP would provide full support for his recovery, stating that Middleton's focus must now be on his health.
Mental Health in Public Life
Middleton's decision to speak openly about his mental health challenges is significant in the context of Northern Irish politics, where public figures have historically been reluctant to discuss personal struggles. His openness has been welcomed by mental health advocates, who hope it will encourage others — particularly men — to seek help when they are struggling.
The resignation comes at a time when mental health services in Northern Ireland are under significant pressure, with long waiting lists for NHS mental health support and growing demand for community-based services.
What's Next
A by-election will be required to fill Middleton's seat in the Foyle constituency. The DUP will need to select a candidate to contest the seat, which is considered a challenging constituency for the party given the demographic and political composition of the area. Read more at BBC News NI.
