Diana Armstrong of the Ulster Unionist Party has been co-opted to serve as the new MLA for Fermanagh and South Tyrone this afternoon (Friday, September 27). 

Mrs. Armstrong will replace Tom Elliott, Lord Elliott of Ballinamallard who has resigned his seat, she will now be the party's sole female MLA in the Northern Ireland Assembly.

Lord Elliott of Ballinamallard was installed in the House of Lords earlier this month.

It was speculated that the announcement would be made at the UUP's conference which will be held tomorrow in Belfast. 

However, the Chief Electoral Officer for Northern Ireland, Dr.David Marshall, earlier this afternoon announced that Mrs. Armstrong is to fill the seat vacated by Lord Elliott. 

Diana Armstrong has been returned as an MLA to fill the vacancy arising from the resignation of Lord Elliot of Ballinamallard MLA

Mrs. Armstrong contested the general election earlier this year for the party and has served as a councillor in Fermanagh and Omagh District Council for the ward of Erne North since 2016.  

Her Erne North seat will now be vacated and the party will set their sights on replacing her within Fermanagh and Omagh District Council.

A spokesman for the Fermanagh and South Tyrone Unionist Association confirmed that the association met on Wednesday evening to endorse Mrs. Armstrong.

In a statement, they paid tribute to Lord Elliott: "“The Fermanagh and South Tyrone Unionist Association have announced the resignation of our Esteemed colleague Lord Elliott of Ballinamallard as Member of Legislative Assembly for Fermanagh and South Tyrone as he now becomes a full-time working peer in the House of Lords.

“As an association, we want to take a moment to express our deepest gratitude for his remarkable years of public service. Lord Elliott has been a steadfast advocate for our community, working tirelessly to address the needs of his constituents and making a lasting impact on the lives of many as Councillor, MLA and MP. We have no doubt he will continue to be an advocate for Fermanagh and South Tyrone, unionism and Northern Ireland.

“On Wednesday evening the Association met to select Lord Elliott’s successor and we were thrilled to endorse Diana Armstrong to become the next Member of Legislative Assembly for Fermanagh and South Tyrone. 

“Diana is committed to representing the needs and aspirations of our community, and we look forward to the positive changes and leadership she will bring to the table. Her passion, dedication, and vision will undoubtedly make a difference for everyone across Fermanagh and South Tyrone”.