Chris Hazzard facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Chris Hazzard
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Hazzard in 2023
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| Member of Parliament for South Down |
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| Assumed office 8 June 2017 |
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| Preceded by | Margaret Ritchie |
| Majority | 9,280 (20.5%) |
| Member of the Legislative Assembly for South Down |
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| In office 13 April 2012 – 9 June 2017 |
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| Preceded by | Willie Clarke |
| Succeeded by | Emma Rogan |
| Minister for Infrastructure | |
| In office 25 May 2016 – 26 January 2017 |
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| Preceded by | Michelle McIlveen |
| Succeeded by | Nichola Mallon |
| Personal details | |
| Born |
Christopher John Hazzard
20 August 1984 Drumaness, Northern Ireland |
| Political party | Sinn Féin |
| Alma mater | Queen's University Belfast |
Christopher John Hazzard (born 20 August 1984) is a politician from Northern Ireland. He is a member of the Sinn Féin political party.
Since 2017, he has been a Member of Parliament (MP) for the area called South Down. He won this seat in the 2017 United Kingdom general election. Before him, Margaret Ritchie was the MP for South Down.
Chris Hazzard's party, Sinn Féin, has a special rule. They do not take their seats in the Westminster Parliament in London. This is called abstentionism. So, even though he is an MP, he does not attend Parliament.
Early Life and Education
Chris Hazzard was born in a place called Drumaness in County Down in 1984. He is the oldest of four children.
He went to Our Lady and St Patrick's College, Knock for his schooling. After that, he studied at Queen's University Belfast.
Political Career
Before becoming an elected politician, Chris Hazzard worked for the Sinn Féin party. He was a press officer, which means he helped share information with the news and public.
In April 2012, his party chose him to become a member (MLA). An MLA works in the Northern Ireland Assembly, which makes laws for Northern Ireland. He represented the South Down area. He took over from another Sinn Féin member, Willie Clarke.
From May 2016 to January 2017, Chris Hazzard was the Minister for Infrastructure in Northern Ireland. This job meant he was in charge of things like roads, public transport, and water services. He also served on committees, like the Education Committee and the Public Accounts Committee.
In June 2017, there was a special election called a "snap general election." Chris Hazzard was elected as the MP for South Down. He won against the person who was already the MP, Margaret Ritchie. This was the first time Sinn Féin had won this seat.
Personal Life
Chris Hazzard is a member of the Gaelic Athletic Association. This group promotes traditional Irish sports and culture.
He is also working on a PhD at Queen's University Belfast. A PhD is a very high university degree. When he first became an MLA, he was the youngest one.
Chris Hazzard is married to Lisa. They have a daughter named Eva, who was born in August 2015.
