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David Hilditch | |
|---|---|
 Hilditch in 2015 | |
| Member of theNorthern Ireland Assembly forAntrim East | |
| In office 25 June 1998 – 8 September 2023 | |
| Preceded by | New creation |
| Succeeded by | Cheryl Brownlee |
| Member ofCarrickfergus Borough Council | |
| In office 1991–2013 | |
| Preceded by | Andrew Blair |
| Succeeded by | Fred Cobain |
| Constituency | Carrick Castle |
| Personal details | |
| Born | (1963-07-23)23 July 1963 Carrickfergus, Northern Ireland |
| Died | 5 November 2023(2023-11-05) (aged 60) |
| Nationality | British |
| Political party | Democratic Unionist Party |
| Website | Hilditich DUP |
David Hilditch (23 July 1963 – 5 November 2023) was aDemocratic Unionist Party (DUP) politician who was aMember of the Northern Ireland Assembly (MLA) forEast Antrim from1998[1] to 2023.[2]
David Hilditch was born inCarrickfergus on 23 July 1963.[3] He previously worked in the construction industry and forRoyal Mail between 1987 and 1998. In February 1997 he was awarded the RUC Bravery Award following a post office robbery. He was first elected toCarrickfergus Borough Council in 1991. He was elected as deputy mayor in 1995 and elected to mayor in 1997 and also served as mayor from 2004 to 2008.[citation needed]
Hilditch was elected to theNorthern Ireland Assembly (MLA) for East Antrim in 1998 and again in both 2003 and 2007. He was one of the top questioners in the 1998–2003 Assembly, serving on the Employment and Learning Committee and Culture Arts and Leisure Committee. He was the vice-chair of the Social Development Committee, and was a member of the Standards and Privileges Committee and the Employment and Learning Committee. He was also secretary ofCarrick Rangers Football club.[citation needed] At the2017 Assembly election, he was re-elected on the first count. At the2022 Assembly election, he was elected on the fifth count.[4]
Hilditch was a member of theApprentice Boys.[5] His son, Stuart, died on 10 September 2019 after a three-year battle withmultiple myeloma.[6]
He resigned from the Assembly in September 2023, due to ill health.[2]
Hilditch died from cancer on 5 November 2023, at the age of 60.[3]
| Civic offices | ||
|---|---|---|
| Preceded by S. Y. McCamley | Mayor of Carrickfergus 1997–1998 | Succeeded by Janet Crampsey |
| Preceded by May Beattie | Mayor of Carrickfergus 2004–2008 | Succeeded by Patricia McKinney |
| Northern Ireland Assembly | ||
| New assembly | MLA forAntrim East 1998–2023 | Vacant |