Robin Newton facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Robin Newton
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Newton in 2017
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| 5th Speaker of the Northern Ireland Assembly | |
| In office 12 May 2016 – 11 January 2020 |
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| Deputy | Caitríona Ruane Patsy McGlone Danny Kennedy |
| Preceded by | Mitchel McLaughlin |
| Succeeded by | Alex Maskey |
| Principal Deputy Speaker of the Northern Ireland Assembly | |
| In office 20 January 2015 – 12 May 2016 |
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| Preceded by | Mitchel McLaughlin |
| Succeeded by | Caitríona Ruane |
| Junior Minister at the Office of the First Minister and deputy First Minister | |
| In office 1 July 2009 – 16 May 2011 Serving with Gerry Kelly
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| Preceded by | Jeffrey Donaldson |
| Succeeded by | Jonathan Bell |
| Member of the Legislative Assembly for Belfast East |
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| In office 26 November 2003 – 28 March 2022 |
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| Preceded by | Sammy Wilson |
| Succeeded by | David Brooks |
| High Sheriff of Belfast | |
| In office January 1999 – January 2000 |
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| Preceded by | Jim Clarke |
| Succeeded by | Tom Campbell |
| Member of Belfast City Council |
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| In office 15 May 1985 – 22 May 2014 |
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| Preceded by | New district |
| Succeeded by | District abolished |
| Constituency | Victoria |
| Personal details | |
| Born | 21 December 1945 Belfast, Northern Ireland |
| Nationality | British |
| Political party | Democratic Unionist Party |
| Spouse | Carole Newton |
| Children | 2 |
| Website | Robin Newton MLA |
Robin Newton (born 21 December 1945) is a politician from Northern Ireland. He is a member of the Democratic Unionist Party (DUP). This party believes Northern Ireland should remain part of the United Kingdom.
Robin Newton was a Member of the Legislative Assembly (MLA) for East Belfast. He served in this role from 2003 to 2022. From 2009 to 2011, he was a junior minister. This means he helped lead a government department.
He also worked as a chief executive for a company that helps businesses. He was part of the East Belfast Partnership Board. This group works to improve the economy in East Belfast. From 2016 to 2020, he was the Speaker of the Northern Ireland Assembly. The Speaker is like a referee in the Assembly, making sure debates run smoothly.
Robin Newton is married to Carole, and they have two children. In 2008, he received an award called the MBE. This award is given for great service to the community.
Robin Newton's Political Journey
Robin Newton started his political career in 1985. He was first elected to the Belfast City Council. This council helps manage the city of Belfast.
He also became the chairman of the Waterfront Hall board. The Waterfront Hall is a large event venue in Belfast. In 2003, he was elected as an MLA for East Belfast. This meant he represented the people of East Belfast in the Northern Ireland Assembly.
Working in the Assembly
After the 1998 election, Robin Newton helped lead the Development Committee. He was very interested in housing, helping older people, health services, and creating jobs. He was also the DUP's spokesperson for business and trade.
On 12 May 2016, he was chosen to be the Speaker of the Northern Ireland Assembly. This is a very important job. The Speaker makes sure that all the politicians follow the rules during debates. They also help keep order in the Assembly.
In 2022, Robin Newton decided not to run for election again. This meant he left his role as an MLA.
Serving as a Junior Minister
In 2009, Robin Newton became a junior minister. He worked in the Office of the First Minister and deputy First Minister. This office helps lead the Northern Ireland government. He served in this role until 2011.
After that, from 2011 to 2012, he was part of the Northern Ireland Policing Board. This board helps oversee the police force in Northern Ireland.
