Robin Newtown stands down as Speaker over 'misleading' allegations

By David Hunter

Democratic Unionist MLA Robin Newton says he will not stand for the position of Speaker when the Northern Ireland Assembly next sits.

It comes after allegations he misled the body about the true nature of his role with a UDA-linked community organisation.

A BBC spotlight programme declared last night that Mr Newton had a role within the group Charter NI, which he had not declared.

The show uncovered documentation that showed Mr Newtown was named as an advisor to the organisation, whilst at the same time sitting on a steering group that awarded the organisation a £1.7million pound employability scheme.

 It was controversially awarded through Stormont's Social Investment Fund (SIF).

Last October, Mr Newtown blocked a question about Charter NI's awarded money, while its CEO Dee Stitt was continually linked with the UDA.

Mr Newton said at the time he would have no future role with any questions around SIF.

In a statment today, Robin Newton denies holding any position within Charter NI and the allegations against him.

It said: "I reject the allegations in the Spotlight programme. I did not mislead the NI Assembly. I have never been appointed to any position with Charter NI.

"I am not responsible for how others refer to me in their correspondence.

"I will not be a candidate for Speaker in any new Assembly. At the next NI Assembly sitting, I will chair the election of a new Speaker as the first matter of business."

The 71 year-old is still the speaker for the Northern Ireland assembly, even though Stormont isn't up and running.

As Speaker Mr Newton receives a salary of £61,000.