Jonathan Buckley facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Jonathan Buckley
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Buckley in 2024
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| Member of the Northern Ireland Assembly for Upper Bann |
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| Assumed office 3 March 2017 |
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| Preceded by | Sydney Anderson |
| Member of Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon Borough Council | |
| In office 22 May 2014 – 3 March 2017 |
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| Preceded by | Council created |
| Succeeded by | Louise Templeton |
| Constituency | Portadown |
| Personal details | |
| Born | 19 July 1991 County Armagh, Northern Ireland |
| Nationality | Northern Irish |
| Political party | DUP |
| Spouse |
Jill Porter
(m. 2022) |
| Occupation | Politician |
Jonathan Buckley was born on July 19, 1991. He is a politician from the Democratic Unionist Party (DUP). Since 2017, he has been a Member of the Northern Ireland Assembly (MLA) for Upper Bann. Currently, he speaks for the DUP on topics like the economy, business, energy, and working with trade unions.
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Early Life and Education
Jonathan Buckley grew up near Portadown in Northern Ireland. He still lives there today.
He went to Queen's University Belfast. There, he studied Modern History and Politics.
Political Journey
Before becoming an MLA, Jonathan Buckley was a Local Councillor. He represented the Portadown area within the Armagh, Banbridge & Craigavon Borough Council. As a councillor, he worked on different committees. These included groups focused on economic development, how the government is run, and planning.
Becoming an MLA
Jonathan Buckley became a Member of the Northern Ireland Assembly (MLA) in 2017. He took over from Sydney Anderson, who was retiring. During his election campaign, he encouraged people to vote for Unionist candidates. He won the election on March 3, 2017. This made him the youngest DUP representative elected at that time.
Leadership and Global Programs
Mr. Buckley has also taken part in important leadership programs. He joined the British Council Future Leaders Connect Programme at Cambridge University. This program connects young policy leaders from around the world.
He was also chosen by the United States Government for a special program. It was called the International Visitor Leadership Program (IVLP). He represented the United Kingdom in a global economic cooperation program.
In 2023, Jonathan Buckley ran for Deputy Leader of the DUP. He lost by just one vote to Gavin Robinson.
Recent Elections
On May 24, 2024, Buckley was chosen as the DUP candidate for Lagan Valley. This was for the 2024 United Kingdom general election. He said he was running to put his country first. He wanted to make sure pro-union voters could support one candidate. He also aimed for strong representation for Lagan Valley in the UK Parliament.
In the election, he came in second place. Alliance's Sorcha Eastwood won the seat.
Personal Life
Outside of his political work, Jonathan Buckley enjoys several hobbies. He is very interested in pigeon racing. He also likes country sports and football.
On July 1, 2022, he married Jill Porter in Lisburn.
