Having grown up in the area, Michelle said she was “absolutely delighted” to have been selected by local members to contest the area that she calls home.
In the most recent Westminster election, Alliance cut current MP Jim Shannon’s majority by 11,000 votes, a pattern Michelle said could continue.
A former Assumption Grammar School student, Michelle added: “It is an absolute honour to represent Alliance in the upcoming election in my home constituency. I’m proud to join Kellie Armstrong MLA and Nick Mathison MLA in providing positive, progressive leadership for everyone in the area.
“Strangford is facing a number of key challenges. This election is a chance for everyone in Strangford to make their voices heard and send a message – history has shown people their votes will count more than ever before.
“I know what has to be done. The lough is our best natural asset and yet on a daily basis, we are witnessing first-hand the impact of climate change through ongoing coastal erosion. Beyond that, we need an MP prepared to challenge the criminality across communities locally, tackling paramilitarism and creating shared spaces that are open and welcoming to all, as well as recognising the rurality of our constituency and taking steps to ensure everyone is supported and has access to services.
“Strangford is an increasingly diverse constituency, made even more so by the forthcoming boundary changes. Alliance is the progressive and responsible voice here, while others were courting the attention of the Tories, and that has been reflected in increased support for the party across several elections.”
Alliance Strangford MLA Kellie Armstrong, said Michelle would be a fantastic MP for the constituency.
“I’m delighted Michelle will be representing Alliance in Strangford in the upcoming Westminster election and I have no doubt she would make a fantastic MP. It’s brilliant to have another fellow Assumption Grammar School past pupil, who has such close ties to Ballynahinch and Teconnaught areas, running here. Michelle is a strong representative and will take forward liberal and inclusive politics at Westminster for everyone in Strangford,” she said.
Nick Mathison MLA added: “We are delighted to have Michelle join our Strangford team. She is passionate about delivering for local people and her strong work ethic, along with ties to the community, makes her the person best placed to deliver the Alliance vision for Strangford and I know she will be a fantastic MP for all.”