Northern Ireland

Former DUP MLA becomes Belfast’s latest High Sheriff

Sammy Douglas took up the position at Belfast City Hall on Monday evening.

Sammy Douglas with his son Davy both from the DUP
Sammy Douglas with his son Davy both from the DUP (Liam McBurney/PA)
By Rebecca Black, PA

A former DUP MLA has become Belfast’s latest High Sheriff.

Sammy Douglas, currently a councillor elected in the Titanic area of east Belfast, was sworn into the role on Monday evening at a special ceremony at City Hall.

He said he is honoured to take up the role in what “promises to be a really exciting year for Belfast”.

“I look forward to working with the Lord Mayor and Deputy Lord Mayor throughout the year ahead and seeing more of our fantastic city and its citizens,” he said.

Mr Douglas stepped down as an MLA in 2017, and took a break from elected politics before being co-opted to Belfast City Council in 2022.

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He will serve as High Sheriff for one year to next January, working alongside the current Lord Mayor Ryan Murphy and Deputy Lord Mayor Aine Groogan.

Mr Douglas is the 124th High Sheriff of Belfast, following former councillor John Kyle in the role.