Cllr Jimmy Carr.
The SDLP councillor who has lost the support of the party for Thursday’s local government election is to still contest the seat.
The SDLP withdrew its support for Cllr Jimmy Carr, who is standing in the Ballyarnett ward, after it emerged it had handed over an iPad issued to him by Derry City Council to police after alleged “questionable” messages were discovered on the device.
Confirming he was still standing in the election, Cllr Carr said he was unable to comment on the matter as it was in the hands of his legal team.
Earlier, Cllr Carr took to social media to question the timing of the matter being made public.
Cllr Carr said police had been made aware of the matter a month earlier and it was “all very convenient” it was made public only days before voters go to the polls.
He added: “Police have looked into this matter as a possible DCC (Derry City Council) security breach.
“As far as I’m aware police have been made aware over a month ago.
“My legal team will deal with the matter.”
In statement, revealing it had withdrawn support for Cllr Carr, an SDLP statement said: “The SDLP Derry Election Directorate are no longer asking our candidates and party activists in the Ballyarnett DEA to continue their campaign on the basis of also commending Jimmy Carr’s candidacy.
“These three outstanding candidates have to be able to fight the remaining campaign on the basis of the strong policy platform and sound representation which they and the SDLP offer.
“This decision is made without prejudice to any investigations into matters in which Jimmy Carr denies involvement or any other determinations which would not fall to this election directorate.”
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