Royal College of Nursing leader Pat Cullen in bid to become Fermanagh and South Tyrone MP

The head of the Royal College of Nursing (RCN) has announced she is stepping down to try to become an MP in the General Election.

Pat Cullen, who led nurses across the country into unprecedented strike action, said she is standing down from her role as chief executive and general secretary of the nursing union.

She has confirmed she will be seeking the Sinn Fein nomination for Fermanagh and South Tyrone, which is often the closest contest in the poll. The party's selection convention is this week.

She said in a statement: “This was the hardest decision to make, and we have achieved so much in three very different and difficult years.

“I hope my legacy here will be to have helped the nursing profession use its voice and campaign for change, for ourselves and patients. I owe RCN members a debt of gratitude.”

Paul Vaughan, who chairs the RCN Council, added: “Pat has been a tremendous leader for our profession and put the college on a journey to a brighter future. She has been fearless in rooting out longstanding cultural issues internally and speaking truth to power in the health service and politics alike.”

Professor Nicola Ranger, the RCN’s chief nursing officer, deputy general secretary and chief executive, will take on responsibility as acting general secretary and chief executive.

The RCN said it is seeking applicants for a permanent general secretary and chief executive.

The union is holding its annual conference next week.

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