Jim Wells (politician) facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Jim Wells
Wells in 2021
Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety
In office 24 September 2014 – 11 May 2015
Preceded by	Edwin Poots
Succeeded by	Simon Hamilton
Deputy Speaker of the Northern Ireland Assembly
Interim 11 May 2006 – 30 January 2007
Member of the Northern Ireland Assembly for South Down
In office 25 June 1998 – 28 March 2022
Preceded by	New Creation
Succeeded by	Diane Forsythe
In office 20 October 1982 – 1986
Preceded by	Assembly re-established
Succeeded by	Assembly dissolved
Member of Down District Council
In office 7 June 2001 – 5 May 2011
Preceded by	William Alexander
Succeeded by	Garth Craig
Constituency	Ballynahinch
Member of Banbridge District Council
In office 15 May 1985 – 17 May 1989
Preceded by	District created
Succeeded by	Margaret Walker
Constituency	Banbridge Town
Member of Lisburn City Council
In office 20 May 1981 – 15 May 1985
Preceded by	Charles Woodburne
Succeeded by	District abolished
Constituency	Lisburn Area A
Personal details
Born	(1957-04-27) 27 April 1957 (age 68) Lurgan, Northern Ireland
Nationality	British
Political party	TUV (since 2024) DUP (1976–2022)
Other political affiliations	Independent Unionist (2022–2024)
Spouse	Grace Wells
Children	3
Alma mater	Queen's University, Belfast
Website	DUP

Jim Wells (born 27 April 1957) is a politician from Northern Ireland. He was the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety from 2014 to 2015. He also served as a temporary Deputy Speaker of the Northern Ireland Assembly between 2006 and 2007.

Mr. Wells was a member of the Democratic Unionist Party (DUP) for many years. He was a Member of the Legislative Assembly (MLA) for South Down. He held this position from 1998 until 2022. He was one of the longest-serving MLAs when he retired.

He was also a local councillor for the Down District Council from 2001 to 2011.

Jim Wells's Career

Working Before Politics

Jim Wells worked as a manager for the National Trust. He held this job from 1989 until 1998. In 2017, he left the National Trust.

Political Journey

Mr. Wells began his political career as a councillor. He was elected to the Lisburn Borough Council and Banbridge District Council. Later, he served on the Down District Council starting in 2001. He stepped down from this role in 2011.

He was first an Assembly Member for South Down from 1982 to 1986. He was then elected to the new Assembly in 1998. He was re-elected several times, serving five terms.

During his time in the Assembly, he was Deputy Chair of the Committee for Health, Social Services and Public Safety. In September 2014, he became the Minister of Health. He served in this role until May 2015.

Jim Wells's Beliefs

Jim Wells has strong Christian beliefs. He supports traditional family values. He believes the Earth is much younger than scientists generally say. He also thinks this idea should be taught in schools.

He worked with other DUP members to suggest that the idea of a young Earth be included in an exhibition at the Giant's Causeway. This idea was later removed in 2012 after people complained. A survey in 2013 showed that many DUP members also believed this idea should be taught in science classes.

Resignation as Health Minister

In April 2015, Jim Wells made a comment during a public event that caused a lot of discussion. He later said he was under pressure because his wife was very ill. He also said his comment did not reflect the DUP's official policy.

His comments led to strong criticism from other political parties. Many people called for him to resign. On 27 April 2015, Jim Wells announced he was stepping down as Health Minister. He said his wife's health was the reason for his resignation.

After he resigned, Jim Wells continued to serve as an MLA. He later said he felt he had to resign for the good of his party. He felt he was "sacrificed" despite his long service.

Leaving the DUP

In April 2018, Jim Wells spoke to the media. He said that the DUP leadership had not kept a promise to make him a minister again. Because of these public comments, the DUP removed him from the party group in May 2018. This meant he was no longer officially part of the DUP's group in the Assembly.

On 27 January 2022, the DUP decided not to choose Jim Wells as a candidate for the 2022 Assembly Elections. He was not approved to run for his seat in South Down. On 12 April, Jim Wells announced he had left the DUP. He then supported Harold McKee, a candidate from the TUV party, for his old seat.

In November 2024, Jim Wells said that former DUP leader Ian Paisley was not fully informed about his party's talks with Sinn Féin. He also said he now regrets his past criticisms of David Trimble and the Ulster Unionist Party (UUP). He believes Trimble's widow, Daphne Trimble, deserves an apology.