DUP selection in Braid sparks local party row amidst resignation

(Left) Resigned: Julie Philpott, chair of North Antrim DUP Association; (right) Ruth Lawrence, chair of East Antrim DUP Association and newly appointed councillor for Braid

The Democratic Unionist Party (DUP) has confirmed Ruth Lawrence as its new councillor for the Braid District Electoral Area (DEA) on Mid and East Antrim Borough Council, following the passing of the late Mayor, Alderman Beth Adger MBE.

However, the decision, announced last week, has ignited a bitter rift within the party’s North Antrim Association, prompting the resignation of its chairperson, Julie Philpott, and raising questions about the selection process.

The vacancy in Braid arose after the death of Alderman Adger, a respected figure whose legacy of public service was widely acknowledged. The race to replace her saw significant local support for Julie Philpott, a prominent figure in the DUP’s North Antrim Association.

Former councillor for Braid, the late Alderman Beth Adger MBE

Mrs Philpott, who narrowly lost to the Traditional Unionist Party’s Matthew Warwick by just 10 votes in the May 2023 local elections, had since risen to the role of association chairperson in October 2024.

Many local members believed her dedication and experience made her the natural successor.

However, following a selection process overseen by DUP headquarters in Belfast, the party chose Ruth Lawrence, the current chairperson of the DUP’s East Antrim Association. The decision was facilitated by recent changes to electoral boundaries, which now see the Braid DEA straddling both North Antrim and East Antrim constituencies.

This allowed Ms Lawrence, a resident of Carnalbanagh within the Braid, to put her name forward.

DUP Leader Gavin Robinson MP announced the appointment on Thursday, 17 April, extending his congratulations to Ms Lawrence. In a statement, he said:

“I extend my warmest congratulations to Ruth Lawrence as she takes up her position as Councillor for the Braid District Electoral Area in which she lives. Ruth steps into this role following the sad passing of our esteemed colleague, Councillor Beth Adger. In Ruth, I have no doubt that Beth’s legacy of service will be honoured and continued.

“Coming from a military background, Ruth is a passionate volunteer and a strong advocate for our armed forces community. She is also deeply committed to youth services, and to ensuring young people have the best opportunities in life through schools, apprenticeships, and training.”

Newly appointed DUP Braid Councillor Ruth Lawrence

Ruth Lawrence, who has a background in public service with the Prison Service and the Ministry of Defence, expressed her commitment to the role, stating:

“It is a real honour to take on this role, and I do so with great respect for the legacy of Beth Adger, who served this community so faithfully. I will carry forward the values and priorities that Beth championed so passionately.

“With a background in public service, whether in the Prison Service or the MoD, I understand how public spending can be misdirected. I want to ensure that Council resources are used wisely, focused on what truly matters to local ratepayers, and that they receive real value for money.

“As someone who lives in a rural area, I will stand up for those communities that often feel overlooked, communities who pay their rates but struggle to access services in the same way as urban areas.

“I also believe in unionism working together. I will co-operate with fellow unionists to strengthen our voice and deliver the best outcomes for our constituents.”

The appointment has been warmly welcomed by some DUP colleagues on Mid and East Antrim Borough Council.

Mayor and Braid Alderman William McCaughey said:

“As a member of the DUP team in Mid and East Antrim I am delighted to welcome Ruth Lawrence on board Mid and East Antrim Borough Council, to represent the Braid DEA.

“As a resident within the Braid, Ruth will be an excellent addition to our group and I look forward to working alongside her over the coming years, as we together serve the Braid constituents as their elected representatives.”

Ballymena Councillor Reuben Glover added:

“I wish to begin by expressing my deepest condolences to Beth’s family during this difficult time. My thoughts and prayers are with them, and they will remain so in the days ahead.

“On another note, I am delighted to extend a warm welcome to Ruth as she joins our DUP team. Ruth is a highly capable individual with a strong connection to Carnalbanagh, where she hails from. Her impressive record as Chair of East Antrim and her active involvement in the community make her a valuable addition to our team.

“I am confident she will integrate seamlessly and contribute significantly to our efforts.”

However, the decision has not been universally welcomed. The selection of Ms Lawrence over Mrs Philpott has led to significant discontent within the North Antrim Association, culminating in Mrs Philpott’s resignation as chairperson, though it is understood she remains a party member at this time.

Local sources suggest that the decision is now being challenged, with questions directed at DUP headquarters regarding the transparency and fairness of the selection process.

When approached for comment, Mrs Philpott’s husband, Ballymena Councillor Lawrie Philpott, said:

“I am currently unable to comment at this time.”

As Ruth Lawrence steps into her new role, the party faces the challenge of answering questions around the decision, and healing internal divisions, while honouring the legacy of Alderman Beth Adger.