Gavin Robinson has held the role of the DUP’s deputy leader since 2023 and stepped into the role of interim leader following the surprising step down of Jeffrey Donaldson, who was charged with historical sexual offences. Mr Robinson, who is 39-years-old, was born, raised and continues to make his home in East Belfast, a constituency he’s represented in Westminster since 2015. There’s no relation between him and previous DUP leader and First Minister Peter Robinson.
The Member of Parliament for East Belfast is an alumnus of Grosvenor Grammar School located in the city’s eastern region. He possesses an undergraduate degree in law as well as a master’s degree in Irish politics from Queen’s University, Belfast. Prior to his full-time political career, he was a practising barrister.
His political service includes a term on Belfast City Council from 2010 to 2015, during which he served as Belfast’s Lord Mayor from 2012 to 2013. Mr Robinson currently holds the portfolios of defence and home affairs within the DUP and is an active participant in multiple Westminster committees, including the European Scrutiny Committee.
Having had considerable involvement in recent Brexit negotiations with the UK government, he is considered a more moderate member of the party and was integral to former leader Donaldson’s campaign to return his party to devolved governance and restore the Northern Assembly and Executive.
Mr Robinson enjoys widespread popularity across all political factions and is seen as one of DUP’s most competent representatives. Many have speculated about his potential to become a future leader, and this unexpected interim leadership appointment promises to bring some much-needed stability to a party that has been rocked by recent events.
Uncertainty still looms over whether there will be a leadership contest or if Mr Robinson wishes to maintain his leadership role in a permanent capacity. Possible competition could arise from Paul Givan, the current Minister of Education and former First Minister.
Mr Robinson will likely face stiff competition for his Westminster position in the upcoming general elections. He has previously beaten Alliance leader Naomi Long in three prior elections and holds a slim majority of 1,819 votes in what is considered the DUP’s most precarious constituency.