Three Mid Ulster councillors are planning to step down in 2027

THREE long-serving councillors on Mid Ulster District Council have announced their intention to step down from elected office when their current mandate ends in May 2027.

The announcement was made by council chairperson, Deirdre Varsani, who confirmed that UUP group leader Trevor Wilson, his party colleague Meta Graham and SDLP councillor Christine McFlynn are all planning to bring their time on the local authority to a close at the next election.

The three representatives were invited by the Chair to address the Council chamber during the monthly meeting on October 22, providing an opportunity to reflect on their service. However, all three indicated that they would prefer to save their formal farewells until closer to the end of their terms.

Their planned departures will mark the end of a significant chapter in local politics, with the trio bringing a combined total of more than four decades of council experience.

Councillor Wilson, who represents Cookstown DEA, has served on Mid Ulster District Council since its formation in 2014. He currently leads the Ulster Unionist Party group, with Councillor Graham being the party's only other elected representative on the authority.

Councillor Graham, who represents Clogher Valley DEA, was first elected in May 2019. During her time on the Council, she also served as Deputy Chair for the 2023–2024 civic year.

Meanwhile, SDLP councillor Christine McFlynn, who represents Magherafelt DEA, has been a familiar face in local government since first being elected in 2009. She has served as part of the SDLP grouping on Mid Ulster District Council.