Clarke to run in Westminster election

Clarke to run in Westminster election

18 April 2017

A FORMER Newry, Mourne and Down councillor is believed to be the first person in Northern Ireland to declare he is standing in the June 8 election.

Former councillor Patrick Clarke, who left the council in 2016 after a series of criminal convictions, has declared he will be standing in the election as an independent candidate.

Announcing his decision within minutes of Theresa May’s announcement, Mr Clarke said there needs to be an independent voice for the most vulnerable people within South Down particularly those most badly affected following recent welfare reform changes within the social security benefits system.  

Patrick Clarke has also vowed if elected as an MP “to be an effective legislator.”

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