DUP deputy leader Paula Bradley will not seek re-election for family reasons

Q Radio News/PA

The deputy leader of the DUP will not contest the upcoming Assembly election. 

Paula Bradley has told her party she will not run in the poll in early May.

The North Belfast MLA confirmed she is leaving frontline politics to look after her elderly mother.

Ms Bradley will continue as the deputy leader of the party until at least the annual general meeting in June.

The popular politician, seen as one of the more liberal voices in the DUP, became deputy leader last year.

She has been a DUP MLA since 2011.

In an interview, Ms. Bradley said: “My mum needs me more and I have decided to prioritise her over my political career.”

“She sacrificed so much for me and I feel I need to be there for her.”

Former education minister Peter Weir said he was sorry to see his party colleague depart, but paid tribute to her as a “loving daughter who has taken a tough decision”.

“Really sorry to see Paula Bradley stepping down from the Assembly to become a full time carer for her elderly parents,” the Strangford MLA tweeted.

“A very sad day for the people of North Belfast, the wider community and the party. A loving daughter who has taken a tough decision, I wish her well.”

Paula Bradley has told the DUP she will not run in the Assembly election in early May