By 
STRABANE councillor Jason Barr has announced that he will be resigning from the SDLP and that he will continue his tenure as an independent.
At the weekend, Cllr Barr and fellow Derry City and Strabane District councillor Shauna Cusack released a joint statement saying that they were disappointed and frustrated over the party’s removal of them from the selection process to be the next Mayor.
A selection convention had been due to take place this evening (Monday), but the SDLP instead took the decision to put forward just one candidate, Cllr Lilian Barr.
In a statement this morning, Cllr Jason Barr says his decision to resign has nothing to do with the party locally but rather, with management.
He also wished his former party colleague, Cllr Lilian Barr,well as she prepares to take up her role as mayor.
Jason Barr stated, “Today I have resigned from the SDLP and will continue my tenure as an independent councillor. This decision was not made easily. I simply cannot be involved in a party that doesn’t stick to party democratic processes. The values that the party was built upon are seemingly being ignored.
“Please know this has nothing to do with the party locally or the team of SDLP councillors in DCSDC, but with the party management and HQ. I would like to thank my family and friends for their support during the last week and for continuing to back me.”
Cllr Barr added, “Can I finally add that I wish Lilian a very successful tenure in her position of Mayoress for our council area…”
The SDLP has been approached for comment.