[8] McKee warned against the collapsing of the Northern Ireland Executive in January 2017, expressing concern that the agri-food sector would be damaged in any such event.

[15][16] In October 2021, McKee resigned from the UUP, citing disagreements over the 'liberal' direction the party was heading in, under Doug Beattie's leadership.

[17] Additionally, Beattie had previously advised members to "leave your religion at the door", something which McKee, a Christian, strongly disagreed with.

The party will continue to hold out the hand of friendship as Harold takes a new path.”[20] He stated his intention to remain on the council as an independent, "at this point in time".

[28][29] He lost his seat to Alliance's Jill Truesdale at the 2023 local elections, being eliminated on the eighth count with 880 first-preferences (6.6%).