Jonathan Bell (politician) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Jonathan Bell
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| Minister of Enterprise, Trade and Investment | |
| In office 11 May 2015 – 5 May 2016 |
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| Preceded by | Arlene Foster |
| Succeeded by | Simon Hamilton |
| Junior Minister at the Office of the First Minister and Deputy First Minister | |
| In office 16 May 2011 – 11 May 2015 |
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| Preceded by | Robin Newton |
| Succeeded by | Michelle McIlveen |
| Member of the Legislative Assembly for Strangford |
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| In office 22 January 2010 – 26 January 2017 |
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| Preceded by | Iris Robinson |
| Succeeded by | Peter Weir |
| Member of Ards Borough Council |
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| In office 5 May 2005 – 5 May 2011 |
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| Preceded by | Linda Cleland |
| Succeeded by | Tom Smith |
| Constituency | Ards East |
| Mayor of Craigavon | |
| In office 2002–2003 |
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| Preceded by | Sam Gardiner |
| Succeeded by | Ignatius Fox |
| Member of Craigavon Borough Council |
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| In office 21 May 1997 – 5 May 2005 |
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| Preceded by | Donald Mackay |
| Succeeded by | Mark Russell |
| Constituency | Lurgan |
| Personal details | |
| Born |
Jonathan Fergus Bell
5 March 1970 Belfast, Northern Ireland |
| Nationality | British |
| Political party | Independent (2016-2017) DUP (2000-2016) UUP (until 2000) |
| Spouse | Lisa Bell |
| Children | 2 |
| Residence | Conlig, County Down |
| Alma mater | Queen's University Belfast |
| Profession | Social worker |
Jonathan Fergus Bell (born 5 March 1970) is a former politician from Northern Ireland. He was a member of the Democratic Unionist Party (DUP) for many years.
Mr. Bell served as a Member of the Legislative Assembly (MLA) for the area of Strangford. He held this role from 2010 until 2017.
He also worked as a Junior Minister from 2011 to 2015. After that, he became the Minister of Enterprise, Trade and Investment from 2015 to 2016.
In 2017, Mr. Bell spoke out about a big issue known as the Renewable Heat Incentive scandal. This led to a public investigation. After this, he was suspended from the DUP. He then served as an independent MLA until he lost his seat in the 2017 elections.
Contents
Early Life and Education
Jonathan Bell was born in Belfast, Northern Ireland, on March 5, 1970. He was the youngest of three children. His father, Fergus Bell, was a minister, and his mother, Nora, worked as a secretary.
He studied at Queen's University Belfast, where he earned a degree in psychology. He also completed further studies in social work. Before becoming a full-time politician in 2010, he worked helping children as a social worker.
Political Journey
Jonathan Bell started his political career as a local councillor. He was a member of the Craigavon Borough Council from 1997 to 2005. During this time, he also served as both deputy mayor and mayor of Craigavon.
He first joined the Ulster Unionist Party (UUP). However, he left the UUP in 2000. By 2001, he had joined the Democratic Unionist Party (DUP).
Becoming an MLA
In 2010, Jonathan Bell became an MLA for Strangford. He took over the role after another politician, Iris Robinson, resigned.
After being elected in 2011, he was appointed as a Junior Minister. In this role, he worked with other leaders to help run the government in Northern Ireland.
Serving as a Minister
In May 2015, Mr. Bell was given a new important job. He became the Minister of Enterprise, Trade and Investment. This department was in charge of business and trade in Northern Ireland.
He held this position until May 2016. After the 2016 election, the department's name changed, and he left his role in the government.
Personal Life
Jonathan Bell is married to Lisa Bell, who works as a nurse. They have two children together. The family lives in Conlig, which is in County Down.
