Alliance MLA Chris Lyttle has announced he is to stand down at the next Assembly election after more than a decade at Stormont.
Mr Lyttle said it had been the privilege of his life to serve as an MLA for the people of East Belfast since July 2010.
He is currently chair of the Stormont education committee.
“After almost 12 years of service, I feel this is an appropriate time for me to complete my term of office and I will be working to achieve as many positive outcomes as possible in the remainder of my term as MLA,” he said.
“I was inspired to join Alliance by the vision of a united community, the values of fairness and equality and like so many others, the leadership of Naomi Long. I am delighted to see that vision, values and leadership resonating with more people than ever across Northern Ireland.
“It has been an honour to be part of the strong East Belfast Alliance team with Naomi and so many other dedicated elected representatives, staff and party members.
“I look forward to doing all I can to support Naomi and my successor in East Belfast throughout the Assembly election campaign, as the party seeks to increase its representation at the Assembly.
“Finally, I want to thank the people of East Belfast for trusting me to represent my home constituency of which I am so proud for over a decade,” Mr Lyttle added.
Alliance Leader Naomi Long paid tribute to Mr Lyttle, saying he had served Alliance and the people of Northern Ireland superbly over the years.
She said: “Chris has been a wonderful MLA, carrying out fantastic work as Chair of the Assembly’s Education Committee and has been a strong advocate for a shared and better Northern Ireland for all. But more than that, he has been a committed and loyal friend to myself and us all in East Belfast.
“It is sad to lose him on the front-line of politics but I am delighted he is remaining an active member of Alliance in East Belfast, and I look forward to seeing him out on the campaign trail as we seek to deliver the positive change Northern Ireland needs.".
There was an outpouring of tributes from political colleagues following Mr Lyttle’s announcement.
Former Education Minister Peter Weir was among those wishing him well for the future.
“We were often sparring partners, but I never doubted his commitment to education and our young people,” he tweeted.
UUP deputy leader Robbie Butler said he was “sad to see one of the most sincere, honourable and honest politicians” stepping down at end of this mandate.
He added that Mr Lyttle’s influence “will be missed not only within his own party but also in the chamber”.
“However our loss will be someone else’s gain. Best wishes my friend.”
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