A member of Parliament for North Down since 2019, Stephen has a long history of elected politics in North Down, previously being a local Councillor between 1993 and 2011, and held the office of Mayor between 2007-08. He was also an MLA for North Down between 2007 and 2019, and served as Minister for Employment and Learning between 2011 and 2016. He is currently Deputy Leader of the Alliance Party.

He said: “It has been an absolute honour to represent the North Down constituency as MP over the past four years, building upon my previous service in other roles.

“This Parliamentary term has been a rollercoaster with Brexit, Covid, the cost-of-living crisis, and wars in Ukraine and the Middle East, Plus, we have seen three different Prime Ministers.

“I have been a consistent opponent of many Government policies. In my role as representative, I have given voice to my constituents on numerous issues before Parliament.

“I have advocated for constituents on many matters, including around Covid support and cost of living schemes, and on behalf of refugees.

"Bringing new investment and extra resources into North Down in particular and across Northern Ireland more generally is a key challenge for an MP.

"My current priorities include advocating for a financial package to address Northern Ireland's budget crisis, and seeking improvements in the UK's relationship with the European Union.

“I hope to have the opportunity to continue this work, especially improving North Down and building a shared and prosperous Northern Ireland.

"North Down is an increasing diverse constituency. It has always been a moderate and tolerant place in the overall context of Northern Ireland. Today, it is clearly a progressive constituency.

“Alliance has grown significantly in North Down over recent years, with a strong local team. We are now the largest party in terms of vote share and representation.

“I believe that Alliance, as a cross community party, and in particular the stances I have taken, offer an electoral choice that is very much in tune with the values of North Down."