The Green Party NI in Ards and North Down has announced Rachel Woods as the new Councillor for Holywood and Clandeboye. Rachel lives and works in the area, and previously served as the Holywood and Clandeboye representative before becoming the MLA for North Down in 2019.

Rachel Woods said: "I am pleased and privileged to re-join a hardworking team of Greens in North Down. I hope to follow Lauren’s outstanding work and commitment for people in Holywood and Clandeboye and for her continued work with the Green Party in Northern Ireland.

“The pandemic has exacerbated the economic and social hardship that many people were already living through. The stark reality is that the cost of living and energy crises are set to plumb to new lows in the coming months. I commit myself to make a positive difference in our community through championing community energy projects, warmer homes and prioritising the health and well-being of everyone in the borough.”

"As someone who lives in Holywood, I am keen that our local town recovers from the current and long term challenges. I am deeply committed to ensuring that young people are represented locally. Having championed youth justice issues at Stormont, I’m keen to raise the voice of people living and working here."

"I will continue to promote the positive benefits of preserving our natural environment and  the crucial importance of taking urgent action to combat climate and biodiversity breakdown locally. Our Council has done much good so far, but we have a long way to go and I am excited to have been given this opportunity to continue to work with Lauren and our Green representatives in Bangor Central, Bangor West and Bangor East and Donaghadee."

Lauren Kendall said, "It has been a pleasure and a privilege to serve the Holywood and Clandeboye community, advocating for greater care of our blue and green spaces, investment in local sports, sustainable development, and for residents in this cost of living crisis. Rachel has worked tirelessly for the people of Holywood and Clandeboye, as a dedicated representative, and I look forward to seeing the positive impact she will make as Councillor."

Green Party NI Leader, Cllr Mal O’Hara said, ‘I am delighted to see Rachel return to frontline politics. She is a passionate and dedicated public servant and I know Rachel joins a strong team of Green Councillors who are focused on meeting the needs of residents during the cost of living crisis." 

ENDS

Press contact: Rachel Woods. 07730041761