Jim Wells (politician) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Jim Wells
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Wells in 2021
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| Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety | |
| In office 24 September 2014 – 11 May 2015 |
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| Preceded by | Edwin Poots |
| Succeeded by | Simon Hamilton |
| Deputy Speaker of the Northern Ireland Assembly | |
| Interim 11 May 2006 – 30 January 2007 |
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| Member of the Northern Ireland Assembly for South Down |
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| In office 25 June 1998 – 28 March 2022 |
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| Preceded by | New Creation |
| Succeeded by | Diane Forsythe |
| In office 20 October 1982 – 1986 |
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| Preceded by | Assembly re-established |
| Succeeded by | Assembly dissolved |
| Member of Down District Council | |
| In office 7 June 2001 – 5 May 2011 |
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| Preceded by | William Alexander |
| Succeeded by | Garth Craig |
| Constituency | Ballynahinch |
| Member of Banbridge District Council | |
| In office 15 May 1985 – 17 May 1989 |
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| Preceded by | District created |
| Succeeded by | Margaret Walker |
| Constituency | Banbridge Town |
| Member of Lisburn City Council | |
| In office 20 May 1981 – 15 May 1985 |
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| Preceded by | Charles Woodburne |
| Succeeded by | District abolished |
| Constituency | Lisburn Area A |
| Personal details | |
| Born | 27 April 1957 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 was born on 27 April 1957. He is a politician from Northern Ireland. He served as the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety from 2014 to 2015. He was also a deputy speaker for the Northern Ireland Assembly for a short time between 2006 and 2007.
Before joining the Traditional Unionist Voice (TUV) party in 2024, Wells was a member of the Democratic Unionist Party (DUP). He was a Member of the Legislative Assembly (MLA) for the South Down area from 1998 until 2022. He was one of the MLAs who had served the longest when he retired.
Wells also worked as a local councillor. He was a councillor for Down District Council from 2001 to 2011.
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Working Life
Jim Wells worked as a manager for the National Trust from 1989 to 1998. The National Trust is a group that looks after special places and buildings. He later left the National Trust in 2017.
Political Journey
Wells started his political career as a local councillor. He was elected to the Lisburn Borough Council and Banbridge District Council before joining the Down District Council in 2001. He stayed on the Down District Council until 2011.
Serving in the Assembly
Wells was first an Assembly Member for the South Down area from 1982 to 1986. He was then elected to the new Assembly in 1998. He was re-elected several times, serving five terms in total.
During his time in the Assembly, he was the Deputy Chair of the Committee for Health, Social Services and Public Safety. In September 2014, he became the Minister of Health. He held this important role until May 2015.
Leaving the DUP
In May 2018, the DUP stopped officially supporting Jim Wells. This happened after he spoke to the media and criticized the party's leaders. He felt they had not kept a promise to make him a minister again.
In September 2019, Wells said he did not think the DUP would choose him to run for election again. On 27 January 2022, the DUP decided not to select him as a candidate for the 2022 Assembly Elections.
On 12 April 2022, Jim Wells announced he had left the DUP. On the same day, he said he would support Harold McKee, a candidate from the Traditional Unionist Voice (TUV) party, for the South Down seat.
Recent Political Activity
At the TUV's campaign launch for the 2024 general election, Jim Wells was announced as their candidate for South Down. He received 1,893 votes in that election.
In November 2024, Wells spoke about past political events. He 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 some of his past criticisms of David Trimble and the Ulster Unionist Party (UUP). He believes Trimble's wife, Daphne Trimble, deserves an apology.
Resignation as Health Minister
Jim Wells resigned from his role as Health Minister on 27 April 2015. He stated that his wife's serious illness was the reason for his decision. His time as Health Minister was short, and no major health changes were made during his term.
After leaving his ministerial role, Wells continued to serve as an MLA. He later said that he felt he had to resign for the good of the DUP.
Images for kids
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Jim Wells in 2021
