Derry’s deputy Mayor Jason Barr resigns amid party fallout
SDLP Councillor Jason Barr - deputy mayor of Derry and Strabane District Council resigned today as the fallout from his party’s “undemocratic process” in choosing the upcoming Mayor, Lilian Seenoi-Barr, continues.
Cllr. Barr was among the contenders seeking a nomination to become the city’s next mayor, however, it emerged over the weekend that the SDLP’s management committee had opted to select Cllr. Seenoi-Barr for the position instead of taking it to a vote amongst the party's 300 local members.
Cllr. Barr made the announcement through Facebook, saying: “Today I have resigned from the SDLP and will continue my tenure as an Independent Councillor.
This decision was not made easily. I simply cannot be involved in a party that doesn’t stick to party democratic processes. Values that the party was built upon is seemingly being ignored.
Please know this has nothing to do with the party locally and the team or SDLP councillors in DCSDC, but the party management and HQ.
I would like to thank my family and friends for their support during the last week and who will continue to back me.
Please know it’s business as usual, only difference is it’s me myself and I.
Can I finally add that I wish Lilian a very successful tenure in her position of Mayoress for our council area, a position I have no doubt in saying, she will go above and beyond.”