James Leslie (British politician) facts for kids

James Seymour Leslie (born March 1, 1958 – died February 22, 2009) was a politician from Northern Ireland. He was known as a Unionist, which means he supported Northern Ireland remaining part of the United Kingdom.

Who Was James Leslie?

James Leslie was born in Singida, which was then called Tanganyika Territory (now part of Tanzania). He grew up to become a politician in Northern Ireland. He passed away at the age of 50 while on holiday in Costa Rica.

Early Life and Education

James Leslie went to a famous school called Eton College. After that, he studied law and economics at Queens' College, Cambridge University. Before he became a politician, he worked as a merchant banker. This means he helped businesses and governments with their money and investments.

His Time in Politics

James Leslie started his political journey in 1996. He tried to get elected to the Northern Ireland Forum for the area of North Antrim, but he didn't win that time.

Even though he didn't have much political experience, he was elected in 1998. He became a member of the Northern Ireland Assembly for North Antrim. He was part of the Ulster Unionist Party (UUP) at this time. The Northern Ireland Assembly is like a parliament where elected members make laws for Northern Ireland.

James Leslie did not run for election in 2003. In 2006, he left the Ulster Unionist Party. He then joined the Conservative Party in Northern Ireland. In the same year, he was given the special role of High Sheriff of Antrim. This is an old and important position, often ceremonial.

In 2007, James Leslie tried to get elected again, this time for the Conservatives in North Down. However, he was not successful in that election.