The Green Party NI in Ards and North Down has announced Lauren Kendall as their Councillor for Holywood and Clandeboye.

Lauren Kendall went to school and still lives in Holywood, has an Open University Degree in Economics and English Literature, Professional Certificate in Accounting, Leadership in Health and Social Care, and a Masters of Public Administration from University of Ulster.

Lauren previously worked as a Law Searcher, and has spent most of her career working in the community & charity sector in the areas of justice, disability and environment.

Cllr Lauren Kendall said: "I am pleased and privileged to rejoin a hardworking team of Greens in North Down. I am deeply grateful to Rachel for her years of dedication to the community, both as MLA and Councillor, and hope to follow Rachel's lead carrying on her brilliant work for Holywood and Clandeboye.

"I am committed to a cleaner, greener, fairer society for all. I live in a wonderful community here in Holywood and our local government needs to work hard for local people. We must strive to make our communities sustainable, inclusive and representative of all. The community's views and voices must be at the heart of decision-making.

"As a Green, I will continue to promote the positive benefits of preserving our natural environment and green spaces, particularly the importance of taking urgent action to combat climate breakdown."

North Down Green's Chair, Barry McKee said: "I am delighted to have Lauren on board and I thank Rachel for her hard work over the years and her commitment to the people of Holywood and Clandeboye DEA and North Down. I know that she will continue to serve and work in the best interests of people in her new role.

"I'm confident that Lauren will do a fantastic job as part of a team of Green Party NI representatives working hard to make a positive difference to people within the communities they serve."

ENDS

The Ards and North Down Councillor for Holywood and Clandeboye will resign at the end of October to take up a new role. The former MLA and Green Party NI representative of the Borough said she will look back on her time with great fondness and miss it immensely.

Rachel said, "It has been my honour and privilege to serve local people as a Councillor and MLA for seven years. I have wholly dedicated my time and energy to people, communities and our local environment and I will never forget the experiences and opportunities offered to me through being your elected representative. 

"As an MLA, I brought legislative change to a raft of Bills and Acts, on Stalking, Sexual Offences, Domestic Abuse and within the hospitality industry. I am one of the few representatives to have brought a Private Members Bill introducing life saving legislation for victims and survivors of domestic abuse, for paid leave from work as a day one employment right. I also brought in changes to the Domestic Abuse Act, adding in protections for children and young people and introducing a legal aid waiver for victims of abuse going through the courts. I exposed the level of pollution in our waters and have consistently fought for improved biodiversity, environmental protection and a fair and just society where rights and voices are respected and promoted.

It was and always will be my immense privilege to serve for the people of Holywood and Clandeboye, and for North Down, for the Green Party NI and it is with a heavy heart that I leave this position.

Green Party Leader Mal O'Hara said, 'The Green Party team in North Down has achieved so much, despite our size. Rachel has made such an impact locally, getting the council to declare a Climate Emergency in the Borough, introduced a ban on single use plastics internally, brought a water refill scheme, ensured sanitary bins were installed in public toilets, lobbied for the living wage, against further privatisation of our services, challenged our planning system, and supported all those that have been in contact for assistance to her utmost ability. She has consistently challenged and questioned, lobbying for much needed change in how we manage our local environment and our services to community, fighting for a greener, cleaner and fairer society. As Greens we are sad to see Rachel move on but we know she will continue to make positive change.' "


ENDS