Former DUP MLA Jim Wells to stand for TUV in South Down

Mr Wells, who served in the Executive as Health Minister during his time with the DUP, is standing for the party in the South Down constituency he represented until 2022.

He was also a councillor for 17 years serving on both Banbridge and Down District Councils. He is a former member of the board of directors of the St Patrick's Centre in Downpatrick, the Mournes Advisory Council and the Schomberg Society, Kilkeel.

At Stormont he served as the Chairman of the Health Committee, Health Minister, Deputy Speaker and Vice Chairman of the Regional Development Committee.

A TUV biography continued: “As the MLA for South Down he established an advice centre in Kilkeel and frequently represented constituents at planning appeals, social security tribunals and Small Claims Court cases. He was the only unionist to top the poll in an Assembly election for 50 years.

“Married to Grace for 41 years he has three grown up children and five grandchildren. A member of the loyal orders, a keen hillwalker and Northern Ireland fan.”

Meanwhile the party have announced that Keith Radcliffe will stand for the party in Newry and Armagh.

He is the party’s Chairman and became the first TUV councillor to be elected to Armagh, Banbridge and Craigavon Council last year, representing the Cusher ward.

Mr Radcliffe lives near Clare, outside Tandragee. He and his wife, Claire, have three children.

A TUV statement said Mr Radcliffe “has spent over 20 years building up a number of successful businesses, which helped forge strong and enduring relationships with customers”.

He is a member of Clare Presbyterian Church and serves on the Congregational Committee, while he is is Deputy Master of Kilcluney Temperance Volunteers LOL 132 and Worshipful Master of Erin’s First Royal Blues RBP 1.

Mr Radcliffe became the first TUV councillor to be elected to Armagh, Banbridge and Craigavon Council last year. He is TUV party chairman.