Paul Doherty announced the decision on Saturday afternoon
12:59, 25 Apr 2026Updated 13:19, 25 Apr 2026
Cllr Paul Doherty(Image: Justin Kernoghan/Belfast Live)
The Deputy Mayor of Belfast, Paul Doherty, has announced that he has quit the SDLP with immediate effect following a controversial meeting of Belfast City Council in which a DUP motion condemning the erection of a statue of Bobby Sands in Twinbrook was passed.
The SDLP came under criticism for not voting against the motion, with Mr Doherty also being subject to a torrent of online abuse.
Paul Doherty had been expected to be the party’s candidate in West Belfast in the 2027 Assembly election, where he was tipped to be in the running to win back the seat the SDLP lost in 2017.
Announcing the decison on social media, Paul Doherty said: “I have left the SDLP with immediate effect. My focus will remain on the ground in my community, representing the people of West Belfast.
“For clarity, I was not at the hastily arranged Belfast City Council meeting this week – contrary to some posts directed at me. I was dealing with an emerging issue in the community and therefore did not have the opportunity to vote against the DUP motion – which I would have done. Anyone suggesting otherwise is simply trying to score cheap political points.
“As someone from West Belfast, I know the Bobby Sands statue in Twinbrook holds real significance for people in our community and beyond. People should be fully entitled to remember him in this way, and I fully support that. Shame on the DUP and others for turning this into a political stunt.
“My focus remains, as always – on the people of my community. If anyone would like to engage further on this directly, you know where I am.”
Speaking after Paul’s announcement, SDLP leader Claire Hanna said: “Paul has been a valued asset to the SDLP over many years, serving as Deputy Mayor of Belfast City Council this year, working tirelessly to represent the people of Black Mountain and deliver real change in West Belfast.
“Following the motion brought forward by the DUP regarding the Bobby Sands statue, SDLP representatives were subjected to an unacceptable level of intimidation. This motion served no purpose, and was nothing more than a sham fight by the DUP to distract from their poor record of delivery, aimed purely at using the past to divide people.
“While the party has sought to support Paul throughout this period, he has taken the decision to step down, and we respect his decision to put his family first.
“The SDLP is proud to be committed and consistent on equality, fairness and respectful debate. There is no place for intimidation in our politics or our society.
“We thank Paul for his service and wish him and his family every best wish for the future.”
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