Mike Nesbitt has quit his position as deputy of a Stormont committee after he broke lockdown rules to visit a friend.
The former Ulster Unionist leader stepped down from the Committee of the Executive Office after travelling to Portballintrae on the North Coast.
The trip was reported in today’s Sunday World.
Mr Nesbitt told the paper: “This has been a stressful and difficult period for me and unfortunately I have made some very poor decisions. I am remorseful and apologise. I shall not return during lockdown. I have also tendered my resignation as Deputy Chair of the Committee of the Executive Office to my Party Leader, Steve Aiken MLA.”
The Strangford MLA’s trip was in breach of regulations advising against non-essential journeys.
It is understood Mr Nesbitt will remain an MLA.
In a statement issued on Sunday, UUP leader Steve Aiken said he has accepted Mr Nesbitt’s resignation.
He added: “Breaking the lockdown regulations is totally unacceptable, no matter who you are. The rules are there to help save lives. Mike has made a huge mistake and he has accepted what he did was wrong.
“I have accepted his resignation as deputy chair of the Committee for the Executive Office. The lockdown rules are there to help save lives and the message remains the same. Stay home, protect the NHS, save lives.”
