A second councillor has resigned from the SDLP following criticism of the party’s selection process for mayor of Derry and Strabane.
Shauna Cusack, who has represented the Foyleside area since 2013, resigned her SDLP membership on Wednesday.
It follows the resignation from the SDLP of another councillor this week, Sperrin representative Jason Barr.
Both councillors say they had been due to stand alongside Foyleside councillor Lilian Seenoi-Barr at an internal party selection convention on Monday to name the SDLP’s choice for mayor of Derry City and Strabane District Council.
However, on Monday the party confirmed Ms Seenoi-Barr was the SDLP choice, meaning she will be the first black mayor in the north’s history when she becomes Derry and Strabane first citizen in June.
Mr Barr resigned from the SDLP that same day, stating he could not belong in a party that does not “stick to party democratic processes”.
Now Ms Cusack has also resigned, joining her former party colleague Mr Barr as an independent councillor.
The SDLP has declined to comment on the resignations.
Ms Cusack said she was quitting the SDLP “with deep regret and a heavy heart” and said it was “the only way I can realistically move forward with dignity, confidence and self respect”.
“To remain would be to acquiesce in the denial of local democracy,” she said.
Ms Cusack said the SDLP had “been my political home all my life, so my priorities, politics and passions will not change with where I sit in the council chamber”.
She also condemned the online racist abuse aimed at Ms Seenoi-Barr, who she said would “work for everyone with the energy and ambition she is renowned for”.
