A well-known Belfast councillor has quit the SDLP.
Paul McCusker has said he was "best placed" to run as an independent in May's council elections, BBC News NI report.
It is also reported that he had become "frustrated and disheartened" with politics at a central and local level.
Read more: SDLP leader Colum Eastwood: Unionists are engaging with our forum on Irish unity
He informed the SDLP of his decision on Wednesday evening, March 29, BBC report.
Mr McCusker became an SDLP councillor for Oldpark in 2016 and also previously served as Deputy Lord Mayor of Belfast.
In 2017, he founded the St Patrick's Soup Kitchen. He later formed The People’s Kitchen.
Mr McCusker campaigns on issues surrounding addiction, homelessness and poverty.
In a statement, he said it had been a challenging year for him. He said he chose to quit the party following a "lack of progress on issues that I am very passionate about".
A social media statement from Mr McCusker added: "Issues such as addiction, homelessness and poverty continue to impact on the lives of individuals and families who I support and I will continue to highlight and lobby on behalf of those who experience these issues if elected in May.
"We have continued to see year on year very little focus on the important issues that I highlight resulting in more deaths, lack of suitable services and people plunged into despair and misery, it is very difficult to sit back and watch this not get the political attention it deserves. Continuing as an independent will allow me to give a voice to those who often feel forgotten and continue to fight for better services.
"I hope I will get the support and be reelected in May as an independent in the Oldpark DEA."
BBC report he also said: "People deserve politicians that will help effect change and be willing to make a difference on the important issues that impact on them. We have a political system that is not working and this is impacting on so many lives."
An SDLP spokesperson said the party was disappointed that Mr McCusker was "stepping away", according to the BBC.
The spokesperson added: "It's been a tough time for him but we've really enjoyed working with Paul and he'll continue to have friends in the SDLP who wish him well in the future.
"The SDLP will be making an announcement about additional Belfast City Council candidates shortly."
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