McNulty Suspended from SDLP

The SDLP has confirmed that it has suspended the whip from Justin McNulty MLA this evening.

Mr McNulty left today’s sitting of the Assembly without seeking permission and did not return for important parliamentary business which included the SDLP taking up its role as the official opposition at Stormont.

An SDLP Spokesperson said:

“All SDLP MLAs were informed by the party’s Chief Whip that attendance at today’s sitting was mandatory for the duration of the Assembly proceedings.

“This was a historic day that saw the restoration of devolved government, the election of the first nationalist First Minister and Leader of the Opposition. People rightly expect their elected representatives to be there for work.

“We expected all members of our team to be there to support their colleagues. Accordingly, as Mr McNulty was not in his place, did not seek the permission for his absence and breached the direct instruction of the whip, the SDLP Chief Whip has suspended the whip with immediate effect.”

ENDS