BREAKING: Second SDLP councillor resigns over Derry mayor decision

A second SDLP has resigned in the aftermath of the party's decision to select Lilian Seenoi-Barr as Derry and Strabane's new mayor.

Councillor Shauna Cusack tendered her resignation today (Wednesday) amid a row over how the SDLP selected Cllr Seenoi-Barr to become the first black mayor in the North's history.

Cllr Cusack, along with the current deputy mayor Jason Barr, were in the running to gain the party's nomination for mayor. However it emerged over the weekend that Cllr Seenoi-Barr was selected by the party's management committee, instead of taking it to a vote amongst the party's 300 members. A planned selection convention for Monday had been cancelled due to the decision.

Cllr Cusack now follows in the footsteps of Cllr Jason Barr who resigned from the party on Monday. He will remain a member of Derry and Strabane District Council as an independent.

Cllr Cusack said she was resigning from the SDLP with a "heavy heart" and would remain a member of the council as an independent.

In a post of her Facebook page, Cllr Cusack said: "It is with deep regret and a heavy heart that I have tendered my resignation from the SDLP. I have wrestled with this decision for over a week now, spoken to friends and loved ones and feel it is the only way I can realistically move forward with dignity, confidence and self respect. To remain would be to acquiesce in the denial of local democracy.

"The events leading to this decision have been well publicised so there is no need for further explanation. I will be declining to make any additional media statements or comment as enough damage and hurt has been caused by this debacle already.

"I am endlessly grateful for the multitude of messages of encouragement, support and belief in me. As a result I am determined to continue to represent you and my community in council and will pursue the rest of my mandate, as an Independent.

"I have enjoyed loyally serving the SDLP on council and in my constituency for the past 11 years. It has been my political home all my life, so my priorities, politics and passions will not change with where I sit in the council chamber.

"I am saddened that I was not deemed worthy to even compete for the opportunity to represent the City and District that I love, but I believe I am still worthy to work for you, albeit from the streets as opposed to a Mayor’s parlour.

"I want to emphasise that the decision not to proceed with the membership ballot was made by SDLP Management and should not reflect on the Party locally, a group of solid hard working reps, who had no hand in this skewed turn of events. Please don’t penalise them for that."

"Finally, I would like to please implore those blaming the person not the process, to welcome Lilian as your new Mayor. To reject and condemn any ugly, racist or hurtful language, this is not what Derry people are and it’s certainly not showing solidarity. I’m sure Cllr Lilian Barr will make the role her own and work for everyone with the energy and ambition she is renowned for.

"I wish her and the Party the very best going forward.

"Thank you all again and just to reiterate I will be declining all media requests."