Kate has long been involved in the local South Belfast community. She also was previously Lord Mayor of Belfast in 2021-22, having served as councillor for Balmoral from 2016-22.

She said Alliance has earned the support of people across the new constituency of South Belfast and Mid Down, and are on track to add to their Westminster team.

“Recent elections have seen the growth of Alliance across what is now the South Belfast and Mid Down constituency, into the largest local party,” she said.

“Alongside the wider Alliance team, I have worked hard in my role as Councillor and subsequently MLA on a range of issues important to local people. It is an honour and privilege to now be named Alliance candidate for South Belfast and Mid Down, and have the opportunity to represent those same people in Westminster.

“Alliance’s message of Alliance Works is more than just a tagline. It is an ethos across the party at every level, and the recognition of that hard work has been reflected in the groundswell of support across the local area. With a greater presence in Westminster, we can ensure an even stronger voice to advocate for people here at the national level.

“We will continue to do everything in our power to earn the right to represent you. Alliance’s trajectory in this constituency – considering recent boundary changes – is such that if we continue to earn the vote of those who have voted for us in recent local elections, an Alliance MP will be returned for South Belfast and Mid Down. I am confident we will do so, and I will be proud to represent everyone in this constituency.”