MLA targeted in misogynistic online attacks after one day in the job

The new MLA for Foyle has said she has been targeted in misogynistic online attacks over her decision to replace her husband at Stormont.

On Monday, it was confirmed that Julie Middleton had replaced Gary Middleton as the Democratic Unionist Party (DUP) assembly member for Foyle.

Middleton said she has been challenged by some people asking "how could she possibly step into this role with Gary sick at home?".

Gary Middleton announced last week he was resigning from the Northern Ireland Assembly to deal with "significant" mental health challenges.

Middleton hit back at the comments, insisting she has the full support of her husband.

She added: "I would ask why I should be at home all the time, Gary doesn't want that.

"I am here with his full support, and I care deeply about my family."

She added that she had remained in public life as a councillor throughout this "journey".

"Our private life and public life are two very different things," she continued.

Gary Middleton had been an MLA at Stormont since 2015 and was briefly a junior minister in the executive having previously served as a councillor.

Julie Middleton has served as a councillor since 2023 in the Faughan district of Derry City and Strabane District Council.

At a news conference at Stormont on Monday, she said she was "hugely honoured and excited" to take up the role and become the first female unionist MLA for the constituency.

She said she was born and bred in the area and that she had worked in the city throughout her life.