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 |
Robert "Robin" Gray Newton is a politician from Northern Ireland. He was born on December 21, 1945. He is a member of the Democratic Unionist Party (DUP).
Robin Newton was a Member of the Northern Ireland Assembly (MLA) for East Belfast. He held this role from 2003 until 2022. He also served as a junior minister from 2009 to 2011. This role was in the Office of the First Minister and deputy First Minister.
He is also the chief executive of a company that helps businesses. He is part of the East Belfast Partnership Board. This group works to help the economy grow in East Belfast. Robin Newton was the Speaker of the Northern Ireland Assembly from May 2016 to January 2020. He and his wife, Carole, have two children.
In 2008, he received an award called the Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE). This award was for his work in local government and for helping the community in Northern Ireland.
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Robin Newton's Political Journey
Starting in Local Government
Robin Newton began his political career in local government. He was first elected to the Belfast City Council in 1985. He served on the council for many years.
He is also the chairman of the board for the Waterfront Hall. This is a well-known venue in Belfast.
Becoming an Assembly Member
In 2003, Robin Newton was elected as a DUP member to the Northern Ireland Assembly. He represented the area of East Belfast.
After the 1998 Assembly election, he became the deputy chair of the Development Committee. He was very interested in topics like housing, helping older people, health services, and creating jobs. He was also the DUP's spokesperson for business and trade.
Important Leadership Roles
On May 12, 2016, Robin Newton was chosen to be the Speaker of the Northern Ireland Assembly. The Speaker is like a referee in a debate. They make sure that discussions in the Assembly are fair and follow the rules. He held this important position until January 11, 2020.
In 2022, Robin Newton did not run for election again. This meant he left his role as an Assembly member.
Serving as a Junior Minister
In 2009, Robin Newton took on another important role. He became a junior minister in the Office of the First Minister and deputy First Minister. This office helps lead the government in Northern Ireland.
He was sworn into this role on July 1, 2009. He served as junior minister until May 16, 2011. From 2011 to 2012, he was also a political member of the Northern Ireland Policing Board. This board helps oversee policing in Northern Ireland.
