Sydney Anderson (Northern Ireland politician) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Sydney Anderson
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Anderson in 2015
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| Member of Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon Borough Council |
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| In office 2 May 2019 – 18 May 2023 |
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| Preceded by | Louise Templeton |
| Succeeded by | Alan Mulholland |
| Constituency | Portadown |
| Member of the Northern Ireland Assembly for Upper Bann |
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| In office 1 July 2010 – January 2017 |
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| Preceded by | David Simpson |
| Succeeded by | Jonathan Buckley |
| Member of Craigavon Borough Council |
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| In office 7 June 2001 – 22 May 2014 |
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| Preceded by | Mervyn Carrick |
| Succeeded by | Council abolished |
| Constituency | Portadown |
| Personal details | |
| Born |
Sydney Alexander Anderson
23 April 1949 Portadown, Northern Ireland |
| Nationality | British |
| Political party | Democratic Unionist Party (Since 2005) Independent Unionist (2003 - 2005) |
| Other political affiliations |
Ulster Unionist Party (until 2003) |
| Spouse | Brenda Anderson |
| Residences | Portadown, County Armagh, Northern Ireland |
| Profession | Businessman |
Sydney Alexander Anderson (born 23 April 1949) is a former politician from Northern Ireland. He was a member of the Democratic Unionist Party (DUP). Sydney Anderson served as a local councillor for the Portadown area. He was part of the Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon Borough Council from 2019 to 2023.
Before that, he was a Member of the Northern Ireland Assembly (MLA). He represented the Upper Bann area from 2010 to 2017.
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Sydney Anderson's Political Journey
Sydney Anderson started his political career as a local councillor. He represented the Ulster Unionist Party (UUP).
Becoming a Councillor
In 2001, Sydney Anderson was first elected to the Craigavon Borough Council. He represented the Portadown area. This was his first step into local government.
Changing Political Parties
Before the 2003 Northern Ireland Assembly election, Anderson left the UUP. He decided to run as an independent candidate. This means he did not belong to any political party at that time. He ran in the Upper Bann area.
In 2005, he joined the Democratic Unionist Party (DUP). He successfully kept his council seat in the local elections that year.
Serving as Mayor
Sydney Anderson also held important roles within the Craigavon Borough Council. He served as both the Mayor and Deputy Mayor. These roles involve leading the council and representing the local area.
Joining the Northern Ireland Assembly
In July 2010, Sydney Anderson became a Member of the Northern Ireland Assembly (MLA). He was chosen to replace David Simpson in the Upper Bann area. This process is called "co-option." It means he was appointed to the role without a general election.
Anderson was happy to join the Assembly. He said he respected the other candidates who could have been chosen.
Continuing as a Councillor
Even after becoming an MLA, Anderson continued his work as a local councillor. He was re-elected to the Craigavon Borough Council in 2011. He received the most votes in the Portadown area during that election.
Work in the Assembly
While in the Assembly, Sydney Anderson was part of several important groups and committees. He was a member of:
- The All Party Group on Neurology (which focuses on brain and nerve conditions).
- The Public Accounts Committee (which checks how public money is spent).
- The Committee for Justice (which deals with laws and legal matters).
He also served on committees for Social Development, Employment and Learning, and Standards and Privileges. These committees help make decisions and laws for Northern Ireland.
Retirement from the Assembly
Sydney Anderson decided not to run for re-election in the 2017 Assembly election. He stepped down from his role as an MLA.
Return to Local Council
In 2019, he was elected again to a local council. This time, it was the Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon Borough Council. He continued to represent the Portadown area.
Sydney Anderson retired from his role as a councillor in the 2023 local elections.
