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Alliance’s Stephen Farry has announced his resignation as the party’s deputy leader.

Dr Farry, who has served in the role since 2016, made the announcement to delegates at the Alliance Party council meeting on Saturday, but only made it public on Sunday.

He was elected MP for North Down in 2019 but lost his seat in July to independent unionist Alex Easton.

Alliance’s party executive meeting on 12 September will set the timescale for election of a new deputy leader.

Any serving MLA or MP can be nominated. Dr Farry will remain as acting deputy leader until his replacement takes up the role.

“I have been privileged to have had so many opportunities in politics and to make a difference through being a councillor, MLA, minister and most recently as an MP,” he said.

“Over that time, I hope I have made a significant contribution on many issues, and helped to make this place a more inclusive and prosperous society."

He said he announced his resignation at the party council as he wanted to "take the opportunity to personally thank the party membership for putting their trust in me as deputy leader from 2016 onwards, and for their ongoing support for me during my 30 years in elected politics".

Mr Farry said he was currently considering "several opportunities" but did not elaborate any further.