Wilson's resignation is 'utterly cynical', says Beggs

The DUP man, who is also an MLA for East Antrim and Finance Minister in the Stormont Executive, has handed a letter of resignation to the council, which will take effect on Monday, March 1. Mr Wilson had said he decided to step aside so he could concentrate on the forthcoming General Election.

But the timing of Mr Wilson’s announcement has been described as “utterly cynical” by Ulster unionist MLA for East Antrim , Roy Beggs.

Mr Beggs said: “Sammy Wilson has again shown contempt for the electorate with the timing of this announcement. He is freely admitting that he is not doing this to concentrate fully on his other constituency – East Antrim, where he double jobs as an MP and MLA – or to put his focus on his role as Minister for Finance at Stormont. No, Sammy wants to spend more time trying to get re-elected to Westminster.”

Mr Beggs added: “The electorate will soon have their chance to give their verdict on the real double jobbing issue here – a part-time Westminster MP and Stormont Minister receiving a vast amount of salaries and allowances all on the public purse.”

However, in a statement released since then, Mr Wilson has said he supports the DUP’s decision to phase our multiple mandates and that his resignation was part of the process.

“During my time on the council I have enjoyed serving hundreds of constituents who have come to me needing help, and as a public representative it is one of the most rewarding parts of my job, though this will not end with my resignation from the council. In my role as a public representative in East Antrim I have many people coming to me on a weekly basis looking for my assistance and I am happy to give it,” he added.

Mr Wilson said he intended to “continue to effectively represent my constituents in Parliament, in the Assembly and on the ground.”

He was elected to the council in 1981. He has been an MLA in East Antrim since 2001 and the MP since 2005.