Ms Armstrong confirmed she would be retiring from political life at next May’s election, by which time she will have served as MLA for the constituency for 11 years, having also been Councillor on both Ards Borough Council and Ards and North Down Borough Council from 2013-2016.

“It has truly been an honour to serve the people of Strangford on behalf of Alliance,” she said.

“I have been thinking about retiring for a while and so it was with great sadness I made the decision the 2027 election is the right time for me to retire from politics.

“I will continue as an MLA, with my colleague Nick Mathison MLA, to serve Strangford constituents until the dissolution of the Assembly, and promise I and my constituency staff will continue to give 100 per cent for all those who need help in the meantime.

“I want to thank all my colleagues, particularly the local Alliance elected representatives, and the local party association for putting their faith in me over the years.

“I also wish to thank my family for their love and backing. They have helped me through the highs of being an elected representative, such as bringing the Integrated Education Bill, and the lows of being in the public eye, like receiving abuse and threats online. They have been a pillar of support throughout.

“Most of all, I want to thank every single person who voted for me over the years and allowed me the privilege of representing them over the years. I will continue to be involved with the party, and wish Nick and my successor every best wish in serving the people of this great constituency to the highest possible standards.”