Claire Sugden
| Claire Sugden MLA |
|
|---|---|
| File:Clairesugden.jpeg | |
| Minister of Justice | |
| Assumed office 25 May 2016 |
|
| First Minister | Arlene Foster |
| Preceded by | David Ford |
| Member of the Northern Ireland Assembly for East Londonderry |
|
| Assumed office 6 May 2014 |
|
| Preceded by | David McClarty |
| Personal details | |
| Born | 7 August 1986 Castlerock, Northern Ireland |
| Nationality | British |
| Political party | Independent Unionist |
| Relations | Andy Anderson (fiancée) |
| Alma mater | University of Ulster |
Claire Sugden (born 7 August 1986) is an Independent Unionist politician in Northern Ireland who has been member of the Northern Ireland Assembly (MLA) for East Londonderry since 2014 and Minister of Justice since 2016.
Personal life
Sugden has a Bachelor of Arts degree in politics, a masters degree in Irish politics and was studying part-time for a masters degree in political lobbying at the time of her co-option in 2014.[1]
Political career
Sugden was co-opted to replace David McClarty, then MLA for East Londonderry, in the Assembly following his death in April 2014.[1] She had been his campaign manager and then parliamentary assistant. She subsequently stood for election for the same constituency in May 2016, securing 9.5% of first preferences and her re-election.[2]
Sugden was named in connection with the role of Northern Ireland's Minister for Justice after a surprise decision by the Alliance Party not to nominate a successor to David Ford, who held the post since 2010.[3] Her unexpected appointment was welcomed by the Law Society of Northern Ireland and the Bar of Northern Ireland.[4]
References
| Northern Ireland Assembly | ||
|---|---|---|
| Preceded by | MLA for East Londonderry 2014– |
Succeeded by Incumbent |
| Political offices | ||
| Preceded by | Minister of Justice 2016– |
Succeeded by Incumbent |
