Killyleagh man leaves DUP to join Ulster Unionist Party

Killyleagh man leaves DUP to join Ulster Unionist Party

5 January 2022

A KILLYLEAGH man has quit the DUP and joined the Ulster Unionist Party.

James Savage (22), who stood for the DUP in the 2019 council elections, says the UUP “shares his values and purpose”.

Mr Savage is a student mental health nurse at Liverpool John Moores University and an elected member of the Royal College of Nursing Student Committee. 

A former member of the UK Youth Parliament, he says he is passionate about education. 

A former pupil of Blackwater integrated College and Down High School in Downpatrick, he also says he is in favour of an increase in integrated education.

Mr Savage said he looked forward to engaging with the UUP and contributing to making party policy in many areas. 

“For such a small country we are remarkably diverse,” he said.

“All kinds of people live here together. We don’t all share the same faith, sexual orientation or culture or lots of other things but we do have shared values that amaze anyone who isn’t us. Those values are community, kindness, friendship, family.

“I want a party that will fight to keep us thriving economically and socially as a part of the United Kingdom while embodying those values so important to all of us, a party that can represent everyone and that I can be proud of.

“I believe the Ulster Unionist Party can be that party. I have seen their commitment to creating a union of people that works for all people in our country.”

Mr Savage said he had worked with both young and old across the country in the UK Youth Parliament, in cross-community schemes, education and health care.

He added: “Everything I’ve done has been with the singular purpose of trying to help people and it’s never mattered to me who they are, what they belief, who they love. It’s my job to help. 

“As a student mental health nurse I have continued to hold that purpose and those values control in everything I do. 

“It is my belief that the UUP shares my values and purpose and I’m proud to join them.”

Mr Savage was welcomed by party leader Doug Beattie.

He said: “My vision is of a union of people, an inclusive, progressive and confident brand of unionism.

“I see those qualities in James and look forward to him devoting his considerable energy and commitment to improve the lives of all our citizens.”

MLA and former party leader Mike Nesbitt also welcomed Mr Savage’s decision to join the UUP.

“I first met James some time ago and it was clear he was determined to contribute to developing opportunities for his community,” he said.

“James also shares my passion for promoting good mental health and well-being, something that is more important than ever given the continuing challenges of surviving the Covid pandemic.

“James is one of an impressive number who have joined the Strangford Ulster Unionist Association since Doug Beattie took over the party leadership, a timely boost as the next Assembly election looms.”