Meet Sammy

I was born and raised in Belfast and educated at Methodist College before going on to study economics and politics at Queen’s University Belfast and Stranmillis University College.

Before entering frontline politics, I worked as a teacher at Grosvenor Grammar School, where I became Head of Economics and later served as an Assistant Chief Examiner for A-Level Economics. Teaching gave me a strong belief in fairness, opportunity, and the value of straight talking — lessons I have carried with me into public life.

My commitment to public service began in local Government, where I represented people on Belfast City Council for many years. I was proud to become the first DUP representative to serve as Lord Mayor of Belfast, holding the role twice. Those early years taught me the importance of being visible, accessible and prepared to speak up for local communities when decisions are being made.

I went on to serve as an MLA in the Northern Ireland Assembly for over 15 years, representing both Belfast East and East Antrim.

During that time, I worked on a wide range of issues affecting everyday life, from education and housing to policing and public services, always with the aim of making Government work better for ordinary people.

In 2005 I was elected Member of Parliament for East Antrim and I am proud to continue serving the constituency at Westminster today. My priority as MP is to be a strong voice for East Antrim, ensuring the concerns of local people, families, farmers and businesses are heard at the heart of Government. I believe Northern Ireland deserves clear representation and a fair deal and I work to ensure our interests are properly represented in national decision-making.

I have also served in the Northern Ireland Executive as Minister of the Environment and later as Minister of Finance and Personnel. As Finance Minister I led the Department during one of the toughest economic periods Northern Ireland has faced. At a time of real pressure on public finances I focused on protecting taxpayers’ money, supporting local businesses and encouraging the responsible use of public funds across Government.

At Westminster, I served as the DUP’s Chief Whip, helping to coordinate our parliamentary work and represent Northern Ireland’s interests in key votes and debates. That role requires experience, judgement and a strong understanding of how Parliament works, all qualities built up over decades in public life.

Above all, I believe politics should be about standing up for your community, speaking plainly and getting results. I do not believe in hiding behind jargon or dodging difficult issues. Having served at every level of Government, local council, Stormont and Westminster — I bring a broad practical understanding of how decisions made in Belfast and London affect everyday life for people across East Antrim and Northern Ireland.

I believe politics should be about representing people properly, standing up for your community and ensuring that Northern Ireland’s voice is heard and respected at the highest level of Government.

My first responsibility is to the people of East Antrim. Whether it is supporting local businesses, backing jobs, or helping families navigate issues with public services, I believe your MP should be accessible, responsive and willing to fight your corner.

I am firmly committed to Northern Ireland’s place within the United Kingdom and to ensuring that our position is protected, respected and strengthened. Decisions taken in London have real consequences here at home and I work to make sure Northern Ireland receives a fair deal and strong representation.

With a background in economics, I care deeply about creating the right conditions for businesses to grow, invest and create jobs. A strong local economy means more opportunities for families, more secure communities and better prospects for the next generation.

Taxpayers deserve to know their money is being used wisely. I believe in value for money, accountability in Government and ensuring public funds are directed towards the services and projects that make the greatest difference to people’s lives.

People rely on public services every day, whether in education, healthcare, housing, or infrastructure. I believe these services should be practical, efficient and focused on delivering real outcomes, not bureaucracy or box-ticking.

I have never believed in hiding behind jargon or political spin. People deserve honesty from their representatives, even when the issues are difficult. I will always speak plainly, say what I believe and stand by it.

Above all, I believe in strong communities, personal responsibility and protecting the character and way of life of Northern Ireland. That means standing up for local people, respecting our traditions and ensuring communities feel safe, heard, and valued.