An Alliance Party activist has withdrawn from upcoming council elections just weeks after being announced as a candidate.
Kate Livingston is also understood to have left her job as policy and communications manager for South Belfast MLA Kate Nicholl, around four months after starting the role.
Both the Alliance Party and Ms Livingston did not respond when asked if there has been a dispute.
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In a statement Ms Livingston said she was "in the process of moving to London" and remains a party member, but did not reply to further questions.
The Alliance Party criticised Belfast Live for asking questions, describing it as "harassment".
In a statement a party spokesman said: "Kate has explained her decision. We have nothing to add and find the continued harassment of our members unacceptable."
Ms Livingston was one of three candidates announced in late February for the party in the Holywood and Clandeboye area of Ards and North Down Borough Council.
But she has been replaced by Helen Corbett, who will instead contest the election alongside running mates Martin McRandal and David Rossiter.
Both Mr McRandal and Mr Rossiter said they were unaware of the reason why Ms Livingston was no longer on the ticket.
Sitting councillor Mr McRandal said: "I honestly do not know the answer."
His Facebook profile was still displaying Ms Livingston's photo in an image entitled, "Your Alliance candidates for Holywood and Clandeboye", until he was contacted by Belfast Live.
He said it was "probably a couple of weeks ago" that Ms Livingston stepped down as a candidate.
Mr Rossiter said he was "not sure" why Ms Livingston was no longer a candidate, adding: "Since Kate has finished up as a candidate I haven't been chatting to her."
When contacted, Ms Livingston said she was "actually travelling at the minute" and would phone back later.
She later sent a message which said: "Hello. You were asking why I am no longer standing in the upcoming election.
"I'm in the process of moving to London. I enjoyed working for the Alliance Party, am still a party member and wish them the very best of luck in the next election."
Ms Livingston did not respond to further queries, including whether there has been some sort of dispute.
Ms Nicholl was also approached for comment.
The next council election is due to be held on May 18.
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