Political Platform: Brian Kingston MLA

Brian Kingston was first elected to the Northern Ireland Assembly in 2022. The north Belfast MLA tells agendaNi about how community work led him into politics, his admiration for Nigel Dodds, Gavin Robinson, and Matthew O’Toole, and his goal to complete the feat of running all six World Marathon Majors.

Outline your background and career to date

I grew up in south Belfast, going to Methody and then Manchester University. Returning to Northern Ireland, I did a year’s voluntary work at the Corrymeela Centre, followed by 20 years working for community groups in north and west Belfast, where I have lived since 1988. This included seven years as the founding manager of the Shankill Mirror community newspaper, as well as working in Rathcoole and upper Ardoyne.

After commencing work for Nigel Dodds, I became a DUP councillor for the Court (Greater Shankill) area for 12 years, including three years as DUP group leader on Belfast City Council and a fantastic year as Lord Mayor of Belfast in 2016/2017. I was elected as a DUP MLA for north Belfast in 2022 along with Phillip Brett.

What inspired you to get into politics?

Community work – including running a community newspaper – is a good background for moving into politics as it involves such a wide range of issues, and a similar motivation to make a positive difference and to represent people well.

In 2008, the opportunity arose to work for north Belfast MP Nigel Dodds as a communications officer, which I was very pleased to do, as a committed unionist and a DUP supporter. Within two years I had been co-opted onto Belfast City Council as a DUP councillor.

Who do you admire in politics or public life?

It was a privilege to work for Nigel Dodds and to learn from him. I also admire Gavin Robinson who joined Belfast City Council just a month before me and has gone on to become an MP and party leader, stepping up in difficult circumstances and providing steady leadership.

Outside of my own party, I admire people who can speak well without notes such as Matthew O’Toole.

What drew you to the Democratic Unionist Party?

I had always been a committed unionist in the years before I joined the DUP. In 2008, I was impressed by the political leadership it was providing for the unionist community in securing the St Andrews Agreement and restoring the Northern Ireland Assembly. Also, its work on the ground in north Belfast and greater Shankill area.

What are your key priorities for north Belfast?

1. to assist constituents with their individual matters of concern;
2. to help deliver new social and private housing developments;
3. to ensure that statutory funding is delivered for physical improvements and support services in the area, including through urban villages; and
4. to support the building of community capacity and good community relations.

What are your interests outside of work?

I am married to Eileen. We have three grown-up children and now two granddaughters. It is a great pleasure watching them grow up.

I played amateur football as a goalkeeper for 16 years. I am now a keen runner and have ran five of the six World Marathon Majors. Just London to go, hopefully in 2026.

I am actively involved in various community projects in the greater Shankill area and take pleasure in supporting positive developments. I am a keen follower of the Northern Ireland football team.