The Ards and North Down Councillor will resign from the role at the end of September, with Alliance selecting her replacement soon after. The former Mayor of the Borough said she will look back on her time with great fondness.

“As a resident of Bangor, it has been my immense honour to serve local people as Councillor for the past seven years,” she said.

“In particular, my time as Mayor and Deputy Mayor provided the opportunity to meet with individuals, groups and organisations across our Borough, to thank them for the support, comfort, guidance and service they provide across the local area.

“In addition, it was with great pride I welcomed Princess Anne to Bangor to have city status conferred, and in turn I was able to confer the Freedom of the Borough to both the Irish Guards and local musician Gary Lightbody. Those memories will live with me the rest of my life.

“While I am stepping back from my role as an elected representative, I remain a great supporter of Alliance, my Council team colleagues and our MLAs and MP. My commitment to achieving the best for our Borough, our city and our society remains, and I will continue to work towards a peaceful and reconciled society as a private citizen.”

Alliance North Down MP Stephen Farry thanked Karen for her service as Councillor.

“Karen has an impressive record on Ards and North Down Borough Council, bringing motions to increase openness and transparency around full Council and Committee meetings, securing an ambitious tree planting regime, lobbying for the redevelopment of Queen’s Parade and promoting biodiversity across the Borough.

“Her successful term as Mayor will particularly stand out and my thanks go to her for the dignity, dedication and enthusiasm she brought to the role. I send her my best wishes in this new stage of her life and I am confident her replacement will continue her stellar record on Council."