Former Royal College of Nursing chief elected as MP
The former head of the Royal College of Nursing (RCN) has been elected to become MP for Fermanagh and South Tyrone in Northern Ireland in the general election.
Related Article: England’s CNO to launch nursing strategy ‘later this year’
Pat Cullen, who stepped down as RCN general secretary and chief executive in May, will represent Sinn Fein in what used to be one of the UK’s most marginal seats.
Ms Cullen polled 24,844 votes, beating Ulster Unionist Party candidate Diana Armstrong by 4,571 votes.
Ms Cullen pledged to work with Ms Armstrong: ‘We will continue to work together, in your role as councillor and my role as MP and that’s what we will do, as that is what we set out on this journey to do,’ she said.
Related Article: More nursing apprenticeships and changes to student travel expenses
She paid tribute to Northern Ireland’s First Minister Michelle O’Neill for ‘putting your trust in me that I could do this.
Speaking after her win, Ms Cullen told supporters: ‘I will work night and day for Fermanagh South Tyrone.’
Related Article: Nurses given ‘range of leadership opportunities’ in NHS 10-year plan
Professor Nicola Ranger is currently the acting general secretary and chief executive for the RCN.
See how our symptom tool can help you make better sense of patient presentations
Click here to search a symptom
