Cllr Gibson, who ran for Bannside in the local government election back in May, was born, raised, and lives in the Ballymena area, and has previously worked for a legal charity helping people navigate the Covid-19 pandemic’s influence on their employment rights.

“I’d first like to pay tribute to my friend and colleague John Hyland and thank him for his service. He has been nothing short of an outstanding representative and advocate for the area, and I know he will be greatly missed,” said Mr Gibson.

“I am however very excited and immensely honoured to have been selected by Alliance to represent the people of Ballymena going forward.

“Our community deserves the most efficient and effective local Council at its disposal. I’m ready to hit the ground running and continue Alliance’s essential work of achieving better value for money for the ratepayers of Mid and East Antrim, ensuring openness and transparency at Council, and making our borough a safer, more prosperous, and more inclusive place to live and work.”