Jim Shannon facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Jim Shannon
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Official portrait, 2020
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| Member of Parliament for Strangford |
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| Assumed office 6 May 2010 |
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| Preceded by | Iris Robinson |
| Majority | 5,131 (13.2%) |
| Democratic Unionist portfolios | |
| 2017–present 2012–2015 |
Human Rights |
| 2015–present 2010–2015 |
Health |
| 2015–2017 | Equality |
| 2015–2017 2010–2015 |
Transport |
| Member of the Legislative Assembly for Strangford |
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| In office 25 June 1998 – 2 August 2010 |
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| Preceded by | Office established |
| Succeeded by | Simpson Gibson |
| Member of the Northern Ireland Forum for Strangford |
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| In office 30 May 1996 – 25 April 1998 |
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| Preceded by | Office established |
| Succeeded by | Office abolished |
| Local government offices | |
| 1991–92 | 14th Mayor of Ards |
| 1990–91 | 13th Deputy Mayor of Ards |
| Member of Ards Borough Council for Ards Peninsula | |
| In office 15 May 1985 – 5 May 2011 |
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| Preceded by | Office established |
| Succeeded by | Robert Adair |
| Personal details | |
| Born |
Richard James Shannon
25 March 1955 Omagh, Northern Ireland |
| Nationality | British |
| Political party | Democratic Unionist Party |
| Spouse | Sandra Shannon |
| Children | 3 |
Richard James Shannon, known as Jim Shannon, is a politician from Northern Ireland. He was born on 25 March 1955. He is a member of the Democratic Unionist Party (DUP). Since 2010, he has been a Member of Parliament (MP) for an area called Strangford. He also speaks for the DUP on health matters. Before becoming an MP, he was a member of the Northern Ireland Assembly from 1998 to 2010.
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About Jim Shannon's Life
Jim Shannon was born in Omagh, Northern Ireland. He is married to Sandra Shannon and they have three children. He is also a member of the Orange Order and the Apprentice Boys of Derry. In 2022, he spoke in Parliament about his wife and family.
Jim Shannon's Early Political Career
Jim Shannon started his political journey as a local councillor. He was first elected to the Ards Borough Council in 1985. He served as the Mayor of Ards from 1991 to 1992.
In 1996, he was elected to the Northern Ireland Forum for Political Dialogue. This was a group that discussed the future of Northern Ireland.
Later, in 1998, Jim Shannon was elected to the Northern Ireland Assembly for Strangford. He was re-elected twice, in 2003 and 2007. He represented the DUP in the Assembly.
Jim Shannon's Time as an MP
Jim Shannon became a Member of Parliament (MP) in 2010. An MP represents their local area in the UK Parliament in London.
First Term as MP (2010-2015)
In the 2010 general election, Jim Shannon was elected as the MP for Strangford. He won with 45.9% of the votes. After becoming an MP, he left his seat in the Northern Ireland Assembly.
Second Term as MP (2015-2017)
Jim Shannon was re-elected as MP for Strangford in the 2015 general election. He continued to represent his area in Parliament. During this time, he supported "Leave Means Leave," a group that wanted the UK to leave the European Union.
Third Term as MP (2017-2019)
In the 2017 general election, Jim Shannon was elected again. He received a much higher share of the votes this time, 62%.
He was known for speaking a lot in Parliament. He often took part in debates to help other MPs raise important issues.
Fourth Term as MP (2019-2024)
Jim Shannon was re-elected for his fourth term in the 2019 general election.
Since January 2023, he has been a member of the Northern Ireland Affairs Select Committee. This committee looks into matters related to Northern Ireland. He had also served on this committee before.
Fifth Term as MP (2024-Present)
Jim Shannon was re-elected again in the 2024 general election.
On 9 July 2024, he took his parliamentary oath in the Ulster Scots dialect. This is a traditional language spoken in parts of Northern Ireland. He also spoke on BBC Radio 4, hoping for a deal that would help Northern Ireland after leaving the Europe. On 17 July 2024, he asked the new Prime Minister, Keir Starmer, about his plans for Northern Ireland.
