McKee stands down from UUP

McKee stands down from UUP

3 November 2021

MOURNES Ulster Unionist councillor Harold McKee has quit the party.

The veteran politician and former South Down MLA has resigned, saying that Doug Beattie’s leadership of the party is at odds with his religious beliefs.

Cllr McKee, who will remain an independent member of Newry, Mourne and Down Council, criticised Mr Beattie for advising members to “leave their Christianity at the door”.

His resignation comes ahead of next May’s Assembly election when his wide network of connections across the Mournes area would have 

been a key part of the UUP’s drive to secure a seat in South Down.

Cllr McKee has confirmed that he intends to serve as an independent “at this point in time” with some suggesting that he could potentially be approached by the DUP to join its three councillors on the local authority.

He has attacked his former party leader over his stance on abortion, same-sex marriage and a recent vote at Stormont on gay conversion therapy.

“In relation to same sex marriage which Mr Beattie is keen to endorse, I cannot go against the infallible word of God that marriage is between one man and one woman,” said Cllr McKee.

“I am saddened to observe that these views seem to be of little value in the UUP of today but, rather, a stance of celebrating left-of-centre liberalism seems to be the only acceptable viewpoint.”

His resignation statement said Mr Beattie’s leadership was “a far cry from the UUP roots” and “the party of Carson and Craig”.

When Mr Beattie succeeded Steve Aiken as UUP leader earlier this year, he pledged to have a different style that would be “able to reach out to all people in Northern Ireland regardless of what your religion is, sexual orientation or ethnicity”.

Cllr McKee said it was “becoming very difficult to endorse a leader who is constantly to the fore promoting liberal issues” while conservative values were being squeezed 

out. A UUP spokesperson said the party was sorry that Mr McKee had decided his political future no longer lay with the UUP.

“We would like to thank Harold for his service and wish him well for the future,” the spokesperson said. “The party will continue to hold out the hand of friendship as Harold takes a new path.”

Slieve Croob Ulster Unionist councillor Alan Lewis has described the decision by his former colleague to quit as “disappointing”.

He continued: “There are many things that I find myself disagreeing with in all parties, not just my own and sometimes I find that it is better to continue to lobby, talk through and progress these issues from the inside, rather than walk out the door. 

“That’s democratic politics. Nobody is going to call for the gallows just because your opinion differs, no matter how rigorous the debate. Unionism demands cohesion with the avoidance of division.” 

Cllr Lewis also thanked his former colleague for his “help, support, wisdom and guidance” since he was elected to Newry, Mourne and Down Council.

He added: “I will always consider Harold a friend and fellow unionist. He has overcome personal turmoil and, like many of us, has a strong faith which has encouraged and supported him through difficult times.

“I genuinely wish him all the best in whatever he chooses to do next.”

Earlier this year, DUP councillors Glyn Hanna and Kathryn Owen quit their party over concerns following the election of Edwin Poots as leader.

Mr Poots was subsequently replaced by Sir Jeffrey Donaldson MP and a short time later Cllr Hanna, who also represents the Mournes area, and Cllr Owen, who represents the Rowallane area, rejoined the party.