Councillor Alan Barr pays emotional tribute as Colin Crawford resigns as UUP MLA for North Antrim

Ulster Unionist party colleagues Braid Councillor Alan Barr (right), with Colin Crawford

Ballymena councillor Alan Barr has led tributes to Ulster Unionist MLA Colin Crawford, following the announcement that he will be stepping down from his role representing North Antrim in the Northern Ireland Assembly at the end of the month.

Councillor Barr, a long-standing colleague and personal friend, paid an emotional tribute to Mr Crawford, describing him as a dedicated public servant who always put his constituents before politics or personal ambition.

“I am saddened that my friend and colleague Colin Crawford has stepped down as UUP MLA for North Antrim. This is entirely Colin’s decision. His and his family’s best interests must come first,” said Cllr Barr.

“He was always helpful, hardworking, caring and considerate. For Colin it was about helping others and not the pomp of elected office. Colin always remembered that he worked for his constituents and not to enhance a personal ego or to please third parties.”

Cllr Barr reflected on Mr Crawford’s commitment during challenging times, noting his calm leadership and presence during a recent night of civil unrest:

“On Monday night as I looked across the scene of carnage on our streets, Colin and another Unionist MLA were at the forefront and their presence was reassuring.”

Even in his final days as an MLA, Mr Crawford remained engaged in constituent support:

“As recently as Friday morning, Colin was helping me with the needs of a constituent.”

He also offered praise to the team who worked with Mr Crawford behind the scenes:

“I also want to pay tribute to Colin’s office staff. You have been brilliant, professional and so helpful.”

Cllr Barr closed his tribute by emphasising Mr Crawford’s personal integrity and values:

“Colin demonstrated the Qualifications of an Orangeman in public office: cultivating truth and justice; kindness and charity; devotion and piety; obedience to the laws; kind and courteous.

“I wish you well my friend. It has been an honour and a privilege to have worked alongside you both on Council and as our MLA.”

Personal statement from Colin Crawford

Much respected Ballymena man Colin Crawford

In an emotional message issued to the public on Friday evening, 13 June, Mr Crawford confirmed his decision to step away from politics:

“After much soul-searching, I have decided the time has come for me to step away from politics. This has been a difficult decision, but I know in my heart it is the right one for myself and my family.”

He described his time in elected office as a great honour:

“It has been the honour of my lifetime to serve the people of Ballymena as a Councillor and North Antrim as their MLA. While I may not have always succeeded, I have always strived to represent and work on behalf of those who have sought my help.”

Mr Crawford also expressed deep gratitude to his supporters and staff:

“To my incredible staff, North Antrim Association, and the many constituents who placed their faith in me – thank you. To those who have reached out with kindness in recent weeks – your messages have touched me more than you know.”

He concluded:

“For now I simply want to say from the bottom of my heart – thank you for the trust you placed in me. It was a privilege I never took for granted.”

Party Leader Mike Nesbitt responds

Ulster Unionist Party Leader Mike Nesbitt MLA also paid tribute, thanking Mr Crawford for his years of service to the party and to the people of Northern Ireland.

“I want to thank Colin for his service to the Ulster Unionist Party, the people of the Ballymena DEA on Mid & East Antrim Borough Council, and more recently to North Antrim in the Assembly,” Mr Nesbitt said.

“Colin informed us yesterday evening that he will be stepping down as an MLA at the end of the month. He is a valued colleague, and we wish him all the very best for the future.”

Mr Crawford’s successor in the North Antrim seat is yet to be announced. However, the words of Councillor Alan Barr and others reflect a consensus:

Colin Crawford’s time in public office has been marked by humility, hard work, and an enduring commitment to those he served.