Northern Ireland will have its first openly gay MLA.
It follows a vote by Alliance Party members.
David Ford is to retire and he will be replaced by Alderman John Blair as South Antrim MLA.
John Blair is a councillor on Antrim and Newtownabbey Borough Council, representing the Glengormley Urban ward and previously serving as Deputy Mayor of the Borough. He will resign the position before taking up the role as MLA early next week.
The 52-year-old said he was looking forward to tackling the issues facing South Antrim in his new role.
“I am honoured and delighted to have been selected as the new Alliance MLA for South Antrim by my colleagues and party members. I want to also pay tribute to David Ford, whose leadership and vision has helped grow the party both in the constituency and wider,” he said.
“I will be looking to build on my previous work as Councillor and provide a strong Alliance voice for local people, here in South Antrim and also in the Assembly.
“Since deciding to run for the MLA seat, I have received support and encouragement from right across the community, showing the progressive and positive alternative Alliance represents,” he said.
Mr Blair said he is looking forward to representing all the people of South Antrim and providing a strong voice for them, whether rural or urban.
