It is with some sadness that I rise to report the passing yesterday of our well-liked ex-mayor, councillor and UUP association chair, Jim Montgomery. Jim was a prominent political figure in South Antrim, particularly the town of Antrim — a town that he was immensely proud to represent and with which he had a strong affinity. Everyone knew him as "Gentleman Jim".

Jim was an Ulster Unionist Party councillor for several years, representing Antrim on Antrim and Newtownabbey Borough Council. However, it was during COVID, when he was our mayor, that Jim's immense empathy and compassion was shown to all people of the borough. Working within the restrictions, he reached out to all of the most vulnerable members of our community, using his office to support those most in need and using his voice for the benefit of all. Jim was a local politician for everyone, and condolences have been expressed by all political parties. That is more than testament to the great regard that he was held in by all our communities.

I worked closely with Jim on many other issues, including his help for the blue-light services. He was heavily involved through his civilian role in policing and he provided support for serving and retired members of the PSNI. His role in supporting police pensioners was widely recognised by all members of the policing family as being pivotal to their welfare. The sense of loss and shock that we have in our party is mirrored in the PSNI and the Policing Board. However, it is as a stalwart member of our party that we miss him most. It was only on Friday, at our South Antrim AGM in Ballyclare, that we elected him, unopposed, as the chair of our association.

Above all, to me, he was a friend and confidante, and he always had a very ready sense of humour, as those of us who knew him know. All our party's thoughts are with his family, especially Gordon, Stephen and Nigel. Jim, safe into the night. You are in our prayers; you will be missed.