Paul Rankin (politician) facts for kids

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

He also served for a short time as a Member of the Northern Ireland Assembly (MLA) for Lagan Valley in March 2022. He took over this role from Edwin Poots, who was a former leader of his party.

Paul Rankin's Political Journey

Paul Rankin first became a local politician in 2001. He was elected to the Banbridge District Council, representing the Dromore area. He kept his seat on this council in the elections held in 2005 and 2011.

Joining the New Council

In 2014, a new council was formed 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 again in 2019.

Time in the Northern Ireland Assembly

On March 14, 2022, Paul Rankin was chosen to join the Northern Ireland Assembly. He became an MLA for Lagan Valley. This happened after Edwin Poots moved to represent a different area. This change was due to the sad passing of another MLA, Christopher Stalford, in February 2022.

Paul Rankin's time as an MLA was very brief. He served for only two weeks. The Assembly was closed down at the end of March 2022. This was to prepare for the Assembly election in May 2022. Paul Rankin 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 chosen to rejoin the council. He was then re-elected in the 2023 local elections. He continues to serve the people of the Lagan River area.