Paul Rankin (politician) facts for kids

Paul Rankin is a politician from Northern Ireland. He is a member of the Democratic Unionist Party (DUP). He currently serves as a local councillor for the Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon Borough Council. He represents the Lagan River area. He has been a councillor since 2014.

For a short time in March 2022, he was a Member of the Northern Ireland Assembly (MLA). He represented the Lagan Valley area. He took over from Edwin Poots, a former leader of his party.

Paul Rankin's Political Journey

Starting in Local Government

Paul Rankin began his political career in local government. He was first elected to the Banbridge District Council in 2001. He represented the Dromore area.

He was re-elected to his council seat in the 2005 and 2011 local elections. This shows he was a popular choice in his local area.

Joining the New Council

In 2014, a new council was formed. It was called the Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon Borough Council. Paul Rankin was elected to this new council. He represented the Lagan River area.

He was re-elected to this council in 2019. This continued his work serving his local community.

Time in the Northern Ireland Assembly

On March 14, 2022, Paul Rankin became a member of the Northern Ireland Assembly. This happened when Edwin Poots moved to represent a different area. This change happened after another politician, Christopher Stalford, sadly passed away.

Rankin's time as an MLA was very short. The Assembly was dissolved at the end of March 2022. This was to prepare for the May Assembly election. He was not chosen to be a candidate for his party in that election.

Returning to Local Council Work

After the Assembly election, Paul Rankin returned to his role as a local councillor. He was co-opted back onto the Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon Borough Council.

He was then re-elected in the 2023 election. This shows his continued dedication to local politics.