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Minister to resign council seat Minister to resign council seat
(10 minutes later)
Social Development Minister Margaret Ritchie has said she will resign from her council seat as part of an SDLP policy to end 'double-jobbing'.Social Development Minister Margaret Ritchie has said she will resign from her council seat as part of an SDLP policy to end 'double-jobbing'.
The minister has been a member of Down District Council for 24 years.The minister has been a member of Down District Council for 24 years.
NI politicians have faced criticism for simultaneously holding jobs as MLAs, councillors, and in some cases MPs.NI politicians have faced criticism for simultaneously holding jobs as MLAs, councillors, and in some cases MPs.
The DUP's William McCrea said his local association would be first to hear his decision on whether to leave his seat in Westminster or Stormont.The DUP's William McCrea said his local association would be first to hear his decision on whether to leave his seat in Westminster or Stormont.
"Over a year ago I spoke to my party leader and party officers to tell them exactly what my preference would be," he said.
"I'm not making a decision, I have already made a decision but I have to speak to my association in South Antrim, relay this to them and then it will be made public."
Ms Ritchie's resignation will take effect at the council's AGM on 22 June.
"My decision to step down is line with SDLP policy to end dual mandates at all levels of government and one that will be repeated in other areas across the north in due course," she said.
Pay cut
Councillors who are also MLAs could in future have their council allowances reduced.Councillors who are also MLAs could in future have their council allowances reduced.
That proposal was floated by Environment Minister Sammy Wilson earlier this year.That proposal was floated by Environment Minister Sammy Wilson earlier this year.
Councillors currently get a basic £9,500 allowance. MLAs are paid at least £42,000.Councillors currently get a basic £9,500 allowance. MLAs are paid at least £42,000.
Mr Wilson says MLAs who also sit on councils should in future only get a third of the councillor's allowance.Mr Wilson says MLAs who also sit on councils should in future only get a third of the councillor's allowance.
AGM
Around two thirds of the 108-strong Assembly are currently sitting councillors.Around two thirds of the 108-strong Assembly are currently sitting councillors.
Ms Ritchie's resignation will take effect at the council's AGM on 22 June.
"My decision to step down is line with SDLP policy to end dual mandates at all levels of government and one that will be repeated in other areas across the north in due course," she said.