Former teacher Jamise McIlhagga to contest The Glens for TUV

TUV leader Jim Allister MP, and party candidate for The Glens, Jamise McIlhagga

Saturday 31 October 2026

Former chemistry teacher Jamise McIlhagga has been announced as the Traditional Unionist Voice candidate for The Glens electoral area on Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council.

McIlhagga, who works in Jim Allister MP’s constituency office, previously stood for council under the TUV banner in 2014 and is now preparing to contest a seat again.

Her selection is the latest announcement in the party’s continuing rollout of council candidates.

Teaching and constituency work

Born and raised in Ballymoney, McIlhagga, née Patterson, attended Dalriada Grammar School before pursuing a career as a post-primary chemistry teacher. She is married with four adult children.

The party said her teaching career had helped her build strong relationships with pupils, parents and fellow teachers throughout the local community.

In her current role, she assists constituents across Causeway Coast and Glens with issues including road safety, potholes, preschool funding, street lighting, fly-tipping and planning matters.

TUV said she wanted to bring her experience and community connections to the council, addressing local concerns and contributing to strengthening unionism.

Allister backs candidate for The Glens

Announcing her selection, TUV leader Jim Allister KC MP said:

“I am delighted to see Jamise McIlhagga standing as the TUV candidate in ‘The Glens’ DEA.

“As an area with a unionist minority, it needs a powerful voice that will be heard and not be rolled over. Jamise is such a strong and principled person.

“In her work in my office I have seen her dedication and refusal to give up on any constituency case. She is a dynamo of energy and commitment.

“Elect Jamise McIlhagga as your councillor and The Glens will have the level of representation it deserves.”

Gaston highlights work on local issues

TUV MLA Timothy Gaston also backed the selection, saying:

“Jamise is hardworking and diligent in every aspect of her constituency work for Jim Allister KC MP.

“She is strong and determined to help people at their point of need, and I have every confidence that she will be a strong voice both inside the council chamber and on the ground for the people of The Glens.”

The announcement sets out TUV’s choice to contest The Glens, with McIlhagga seeking to turn her experience in education and constituency casework into a role representing the area on council.