Former UUP councillor Linzi McLaren to contest South Antrim for SDLP in 2027
South Antrim SDLP candidate Linzi McLaren (right), pictured with SDLP leader Claire Hanna MP (centre), and Cara Hunter MLA
Wednesday 23 September 2026
Former Ulster Unionist councillor and former police officer Linzi McLaren has been selected by the SDLP to contest South Antrim in next year’s Northern Ireland Assembly election, marking a significant change of political direction less than a year after she left the UUP.
McLaren, who is from Antrim and grew up in the constituency, described her selection as a “homecoming” and said that while her values had not changed, her political perspective had.
The former councillor left the UUP and stepped down from Ards and North Down Borough Council in 2025 after saying she no longer felt comfortable within political unionism. At the time, she raised concerns about inclusiveness, approaches to the Irish language and the representation and voice of women.
From UUP councillor to SDLP candidate
McLaren joined the PSNI in 2004 and served as a police officer for 18 years before retiring in 2022. She was subsequently elected as a UUP councillor for Holywood and Clandeboye in 2023, receiving 989 first-preference votes.
Announcing her selection for South Antrim, McLaren said:
“I am honoured to have been selected by the SDLP to represent South Antrim. I am a proud Antrim woman and I am excited about the campaign ahead, working together with the SDLP team in the area, particularly Roisin Lynch, whose leadership locally has been steadfast.
“South Antrim is an incredible place. From Antrim town, where my family have lived for generations, to the loughshore; Randalstown to Ballyclare; Mallusk to Glenavy and Crumlin, I am looking forward to getting out, meeting people, listening to their concerns and talking about the opportunities we can unlock for this area. The potential for delivery for the people of South Antrim is endless.”
McLaren said her decision to stand was based on a belief that “politics should deliver for people”, while criticising what she described as “decay and dither” in recent years and arguing that the SDLP offered an alternative to what she called “tribal politics”.
McLaren addresses her political journey
Addressing her move from unionism to a party which supports Irish unity, McLaren said:
“Some people will understandably be interested in the political journey I have travelled, and what I would say to them is that my values have not changed, but my perspective has.
“I have always cared passionately about building a society that is fair, inclusive and ambitious for everyone who lives here, no matter their background. The SDLP is committed to working towards a New Ireland and persuading more people by demonstrating that we can deliver for them in the here and now.
“More and more people are thinking about the kind of future they want for themselves and their families. For some of us, the answer may be different from the one we grew up with. That should be something politics makes space for rather than fears.”
McLaren said she intends to use her candidacy to highlight ending violence against women and girls, educational disadvantage and access to public services and opportunities across South Antrim.
SDLP seeks return to South Antrim Assembly
The selection comes as the SDLP seeks to regain representation at Stormont in South Antrim.
At the 2022 Assembly election, the party’s Roisin Lynch received 3,139 first-preference votes but was not elected. The five seats were won by Sinn Féin’s Declan Kearney, Alliance’s John Blair, DUP representatives Pam Cameron and Trevor Clarke, and the UUP’s Steve Aiken.
Lynch welcomed McLaren’s selection, saying:
“I am delighted to have Linzi join our team and believe her voice will resonate with many people in South Antrim and beyond. I look forward to getting on the doors with her and providing a real and hopeful alternative to the politics of deadlock and dysfunction that has dominated for the past 20 years.”
SDLP leader Claire Hanna MP said the party wanted to reach beyond traditional political identities as it makes the case for constitutional change.
“The SDLP has always believed in persuasion. We want to build a New Ireland, but we know that means reaching beyond traditional political identities, listening to people whose experiences are different from our own and building a future in which everyone can see themselves,” she said.
“Linzi’s journey reflects conversations that are happening in homes and communities across Northern Ireland. People are questioning old assumptions and thinking about what kind of society they want to leave to the next generation.
“We want the SDLP to be a political home for people who believe that Northern Ireland can work better today while having an open, respectful and ambitious conversation about our future.
“Linzi is thoughtful, determined and committed to making politics work for people. She will bring a distinctive voice to our team and I know she will work tirelessly for people across South Antrim.”
McLaren will now campaign for one of South Antrim’s five Assembly seats ahead of the combined Northern Ireland Assembly and council elections scheduled for 6 May 2027.
