10 September 2025
The SDLP has confirmed Aurla King as its new councillor for the Downpatrick area.
It comes following the decision of Councillor Gareth Sharvin to stand down after nearly 15 years of service due to a change in work circumstances.
SDLP Leader Claire Hanna MP said:
“We are sincerely grateful to Gareth Sharvin for his dedicated service to the people of Downpatrick and to the SDLP. For well over a decade he has been a first-class servant for local people and I know that he will continue to be an activist and asset in the community.
“Gareth will certainly be missed, but I’m excited that Aurla King will be joining the SDLP team in Newry, Mourne and Down. She is a woman who has a record of getting things done and I have no doubt she will build on that work in her role as an SDLP councillor.”
SDLP South Down MLA Colin McGrath said:
“I have had the pleasure of working closely with Gareth Sharvin throughout his time on council and know how much serving the people of Downpatrick has meant to him.
“I look forward to welcoming Aurla King to the team. She is already well-known across this area through her work in education and her involvement in local sports and community groups, which will stand her in good stead as a councillor.”
SDLP Downpatrick Councillor Aurla King said:
“I’m delighted to have been given the opportunity to serve my local community as a councillor. I would like to thank and pay tribute to my predecessor Gareth Sharvin for all the hard work he has done for this area and its people over the past 14 years. I have no doubt he will continue to be a source of advice and support.
“As a proud Saul woman, I am deeply passionate about improving outcomes for families across this area. As a mother of three, and someone who lives and works locally and is involved in a number of sporting and community organisations, I am all too aware of the challenges families are facing. I want to use my platform as a councillor to advocate for real, practical solutions that will help deliver the SDLP’s vision of a positive, inclusive future for our community.”
Outgoing SDLP Councillor Gareth Sharvin said:
“It truly has been an honour to serve the people of Downpatrick and Lecale for nearly 14 years as their local councillor. From supporting groups in securing funding, to getting the streets cleaned, building football pitches and to delivering on individual issues, it has been one of the most enjoyable experiences of my life.
“I want to wish Aurla the very best of luck as she starts her journey on Newry, Mourne and Down District Council and I know she will bring her passion for improving the health and wellbeing of families across the area to the forefront.”