By Julie Waters
ULSTER Unionist Party councillor Stephen Hollywood will move to represent the Holywood and Clandeboye district electoral area following the shock exit of his party colleague Linzi McLaren.
Elected in the 2023 council elections to serve Bangor West, Mr Hollywood’s transfer comes after Ms McLaren resigned from the party and the council, stating the UUP had become a ‘very cold house’ where she did not feel supported.
Alderman Philip Smith, UUP group party leader, has confirmed that an internal selection process is currently underway to fill the Bangor West council seat, and could take up to four weeks.
Stating that his party colleague Mr Hollywood now lived in Holywood, Mr Smith said the move ‘made a lot of sense’ and who ‘wouldn’t be happy with the slogan Hollywood with Holywood’.
In an open letter to his former and new constituents, Mr Hollywood said the move was ‘not an easy decision’ as being elected to Bangor West had ‘been the honour and privilege of my life’.
The councillor said: “Serving this fantastic community has been a profoundly enjoyable and proud experience, one that I will always cherish.
“Throughout my time here, I have been constantly impressed by the incredible community groups, charities, faith organisations, businesses and the people of Bangor West who passionately dedicate themselves to making our community stronger, safe, prosperous and more connected.”
Praising the ‘selfless local volunteers and community activists’ as the ‘heartbeat of Bangor West’, Mr Hollywood said ’it has been a joy to witness your passion and commitment firsthand’.
Mr Hollywood said Ms McLaren’s recent departure from the UUP had ‘opened a door for me to serve this community, and I am both excited and honoured to represent the people of Holywood and Clandeboye’.
He stressed his commitment to be ‘proactive, engaged and accessible’ to all residents and he praised the ‘fantastic dynamism and connectedness that defines Holywood and Clandeboye – the commitment to each other, and the pride you have for our community’.
Said Mr Hollywood: “While I am moving to serve in Holywood and Clandeboye, a community in which I now live and raise my family, please know that Bangor West will always hold a special place in my heart.
“Leaving Bangor West feels like leaving a piece of myself behind. You have welcomed me, challenged me, and shown me what community truly means. Thank you for trusting me, for sharing your stories, and for allowing me to be part of your lives.
“Though my path is taking me next door to Holywood and Clandeboye, my connection to this incredible place and its people will never fade. Thank you for everything. It has been an extraordinary privilege to be your representative.”
