Mallusk woman Heather Fee - a former NI21 election candidate - has joined the Ulster Unionist Party.

UUP leader Mike Nesbitt joined with South Antrim MP Danny Kinahan and local council group leader Alderman Mark Cosgrove to welcome Mrs Fee as the newest member of the party.

Mrs Fee, who lives in Mallusk with her husband and three children, became involved in politics whilst spearheading a successful campaign to secure integrated status for the local primary school. She stood for NI21 in the 2014 local government election, but failed to win a seat on Antrim and Newtownabbey Council.

“I am excited to become a member of this strong and progressive party, especially at this challenging time. Politics must change for the better and I am confident that the UUP policies and leadership can achieve that aim,” she said.

Vowing to provide a strong voice for her local community, Mrs Fee added: “We live in a wonderfully multi-cultural society where every citizen deserves to be represented by forward thinking politics and political parties capable of making decisions without bias.

“The UUP respects and embraces all cultures and creeds. These are the only policies that will pave the way to a prosperous future for the people of Northern Ireland and I am very proud to play my part in upholding that vision.”

Welcoming Mrs Fee into the party, Alderman Cosgrove commented: “I am delighted that Heather has decided to join the ever growing ranks of the Ulster Unionist Party.

“I look forward to working with her on local issues for the advancement of the local community.”