DUP's Jim Wells attacks party over health minister job and opens up about depression

By Q Radio News

DUP Assembly member Jim Wells has launched an attack on his own party hierarchy claiming they reneged on an agreement to bring him back as Stormont health minister.

The South Down MLA resigned as minister three years ago following what turned out to be false claims he had made homophobic comments at an election event.

Mr. Wells says an assurance was given that when his name was cleared he would be reinstated, but the pledge was not honoured.

The party's longest-serving Assembly member admits he was devastated...

DUP Assembly member @Jim_Wells_MLA has launched an attack on his own party hierarchy claiming they reneged on an agreement to bring him back as Stormont health minister. He claims he was "fed to the crocodiles." More on air throughout the morning. pic.twitter.com/VfFMiOrmo9

— Q Radio News (@qnewsdesk) April 9, 2018

The 60-year-old says he expects to be disciplined by the party for speaking out. 

He has also opened up about his battle against depression after his political career was "destroyed" by the controversy in 2015.

Mr. Wells told Q Radio he "reached the lowest point" in his life and was "maybe glad" he didn't have his personal protection weapon with him at the time...