Jonathan Buckley | |
|---|---|
 Buckley in 2024 | |
| Member of theNorthern Ireland Assembly forUpper Bann | |
| Assumed office 3 March 2017 | |
| Preceded by | Sydney Anderson |
| Member ofArmagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon Borough Council | |
| In office 22 May 2014 – 3 March 2017 | |
| Preceded by | Council created |
| Succeeded by | Louise Templeton |
| Constituency | Portadown |
| Personal details | |
| Born | (1991-07-19)19 July 1991 (age 34) County Armagh, Northern Ireland |
| Political party | DUP |
| Spouse | [1] |
| Occupation | Politician |
Jonathan Buckley (born 19 July 1991) is aDemocratic Unionist Party (DUP) politician who has been aMember of the Northern Ireland Assembly (MLA) forUpper Bann since 2017. He currently serves as the DUP's Spokesman forEconomy, Business, and Energy andTrade Union Engagement.[2]
Buckley grew up outsidePortadown, where he still lives today.[3]
Jonathan was educated at Queens University Belfast studying Modern History and Politics.
Before entering the Northern Ireland Assembly, Buckley served as a Local Councillor for Portadown DEA within the Armagh, Banbridge & Craigavon Borough Council. During his time in local government, he was a member of various committees, including Economic Development, Governance, and Policy and Planning.
Buckley has been a member of theNorthern Ireland Assembly (MLA) forUpper Bann since 2017. He succeeded retiring veteran legislatorSydney Anderson. During the campaign, he publicly exhorted voters in the constituency to vote and to transfer to other Unionist candidates. He was declared the winner on 3 March 2017.[4][5][6] This made Buckley the youngest elected representative for the DUP.[3]
In October 2021, Buckley voted against 'safe zones' outside abortion clinics, saying the move which supporters claim is designed to protect women from physical and verbal harassment was "regressive".[7]
In May 2022, Buckley admitted that he was "surprised" to learn that he had been nominated by Anne Donaghy's office for an MBE for "political and public service".[8]
In addition to his political roles, Buckley has been actively engaged in various leadership and educational programs. He participated in the British Council Future Leaders Connect Programme at Cambridge University, becoming part of a global network of emerging policy leaders. He was also selected by the United States Government for the International Visitor Leadership Program (IVLP), representing the United Kingdom in the Department of State Exchange Programme Global Economic Cooperation.
In 2023, Buckley stood for the Deputy Leadership of the DUP, losing by one vote to Gavin Robinson, the MP for East Belfast.[9]
On 24 May 2024, Buckley was selected as theDemocratic Unionist Party candidate forLagan Valley in the2024 United Kingdom general election, following the departure ofSir Jeffrey Donaldson.[10] On standing for election, Buckley said:“I am running in Lagan Valley because I am putting country first.“I am running in Lagan Valley to ensure pro-union voters can unite behind a candidate and ensure Lagan Valley has strong representation at Westminster.”[11] He finished second toAlliance'sSorcha Eastwood, who won the seat with a 2,659 (6.0%) majority compared to Buckley's 15,659 votes (31.9%).[12][13]
Outside of politics, Buckley is passionate about pigeon racing, country sports, and football.[3]
On 1 July 2022, Buckley married Jill Porter inLisburn.[1]
| Northern Ireland Assembly | ||
|---|---|---|
| Preceded by | MLA forUpper Bann 2017–present | Incumbent |