Mayor of Derry Alderman Graham Warke takes US Congressman Richie Neal acros the Peace Bridge in April 2022
Graham Warke made the shock announcement last June shortly after his term as Mayor of Derry City and Strabane District Council came to an end.
He said he found it difficult to “reach out to everybody in the city” while being restricted by party politics, after handing over the ceremonial chains to Sinn Fein’s Sandra Duffy.
Mr Warke said he had no regrets about the decision when asked if he believes he can secure enough votes in the upcoming council poll in May.
“You don’t know with elections,” he told the Belfast Telegraph.
“You can never be too sure how it is going to go but hopefully people will support my decision.
“Residents saw what I did as mayor and I got a lot of support for what I was doing on the ground.”
He will in the Faughan electoral ward where he “grew up in, lived in and am passionate about this area”.
“As an independent councillor, I believe in a better future for all,” he added.
He reiterated his belief that the DUP’s “party politics” doesn’t resonate with everyday people in the borough.
“I don’t think it’s working and I think that is obvious,” Mr Warke said.
“It was obvious when I was mayor of the city when internal disputes acted like a road block.
“Being free of all that allows me to pursue and champion issues that I really care about and that really matter.
“I believe in a better future for everyone.”
The ex-DUP councillor described the Brexit row which has led to the collapse of Stormont as “a perfect example” of people being “hurt” by party politics.
“A lot of people are really suffering at the moment with the cost-of-living crisis and the impact of Covid,” said Alderman Warke.
“Our health system is still in crisis following the pandemic and there isn’t even anyone at Stormont.
“You get things done better when you are sitting around a table with others, and we have proven that time and time again in this city.
“It doesn’t matter what background you are from, everyone is struggling to put food on the table. Division just hurts people more.”
‘Iron Man’ Danny Quigley receives Freedom of City from the then Mayor Alderman Graham Warke in April 2022
Mr Warke previously said “nobody was going to stop me” participating in cross-community work, as he recited all the engagements he participated in while serving as mayor.
“I did them all. I have no regrets,” he said.
“I have done stuff this year the DUP probably wouldn’t agree with. I feel I have reached out more than any mayor.”
His decision to stand as an independent has been welcomed by people in Derry who took to Facebook to praise him for his cross-community work as Mayor of Derry and Strabane.
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