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Former UUP councillor Darryl Wilson joins DUP

CC&G Council Darryl Wilson has a beard and is wearing black-rimmed glasses.CC&G Council
Darryl Wilson, who sits on Causeway Coast and Glens council, says joining the DUP was the 'start of an exciting new chapter in my political life'

The former Ulster Unionist Party (UUP) and independent councillor Darryl Wilson has joined the Democratic Unionist Party (DUP).

Wilson, who sits on Causeway Coast and Glens council, said it was the "start of an exciting new chapter in my political life".

Wilson left the UUP in December after 12 years with party and previously said he would continue as an independent councillor for the Ballymoney area.

In 2024, Mr Wilson found himself at the centre of a row over Assembly seat selection, which culminated in the resignation of then UUP leader Doug Beattie.

After he was overlooked to replace Robin Swann in the Stormont Assembly, Wilson said he had raised "concerns and questions" over the selection process with the party.

Doug Beattie cited "irreconcilable differences" between him and party officers at the time for his decision to stand down as leader.

Doug Beattie was replaced by Mike Nesbitt after he was the only candidate who declared an interest in the role.

DUP DUP leader Gavin Robinson seen shaking hands with Darryl Wilson. Both men are wearing suit jackets and a framed picture can be seen behind themDUP
DUP leader Gavin Robinson says he is delighted to welcome Darryl Wilson to the party

In a statement, DUP Leader Gavin Robinson said he was "delighted" to welcome Wilson to the DUP, highlighting his reputation for "dedication and hard work" over the past decade.

"Darryl will be a fantastic addition to the DUP group on Causeway Coast and Glens council, to our wider team within the North Antrim constituency and the Democratic Unionist Party as a whole," Robinson said.