Simon Hamilton to leave politics

Northern Ireland's former finance and health minister is set to leave politics.

The DUP's Simon Hamilton is to step down from his seat as Strangford MLA, after it was confirmed on Friday that he has been appointed the new chief executive of the Belfast Chamber.

The announcement caused considerable shock within Ulster politics.

Mr Hamilton had once been tipped as the future leader of the party, after some success in prominent ministries in the Executive, and was viewed by commentators as a more progressive DUP representative.

It was rumoured Mr Hamilton voted to remain in the Brexit referendum, but when asked how he voted, he refused to be drawn.

Speaking on Radio Ulster, Mr Hamilton dismissed the idea that he would be staying with the party if Stormont was up and running.

"I think those are the sort of presumptions that are made inside the political bubble, that those in politics just aspire to higher and higher office,'' he said.

He added that he would be stepping away from politics completely, including leaving the DUP as a member.

"The Belfast Chamber by its very nature is apolitical so that will necessitate me not being a member of the party.

"This is a page being turned in my life to do something that I love.

"I want to serve this place that I call home and this is a different way of doing that.''

Mr Hamilton said in an earlier statement: "I have thoroughly enjoyed my time in public service.

"It has been a huge honour to represent all of the people of my home constituency.

"I have been privileged to hold three ministerial portfolios and to have been involved in so many policy initiatives that have made a positive difference to people's lives.

"I will always be deeply indebted to the party for the trust placed in me and the wonderful opportunities that responsibility has afforded me.

"I wish Arlene and all my former colleagues at Stormont well, especially in their ongoing efforts to restore the Assembly.''

Party leader Arlene Foster paid tribute to Mr Hamilton, describing him as a dedicated public representative.

"I have known Simon as a friend and colleague for many years,'' she said.

"Whilst I am disappointed to be losing Simon as a party colleague and as an elected representative, I know he is taking on a role which will allow him to continue working to make Belfast and Northern Ireland the very best place to live, visit and particularly to do business.

"Whether as a local councillor, Assembly member or as a minister in the Executive, Simon has been an effective and dedicated public representative.

"I want to pay tribute to Simon for everything he has contributed during his time in the political arena.''

The party will begin a process shortly to select Mr Hamilton's replacement in his Strangford constituency.

Rajesh Rana, president of Belfast Chamber said: "We held an exhaustive recruitment and interview process for this role and the unanimous verdict of the selection committee was that Simon Hamilton was the strongest candidate.

"Simon comes with a wealth of skills and experience. He trained and worked as an accountant, and he served as economy minister and minister of finance and personnel.

"Simon is stepping down completely both from front-line politics and from political life.

"Belfast Chamber is an apolitical organisation and will continue to be so."