Eóin Tennyson becomes new Alliance deputy leader

Upper Bann MLA Eoin Tennyson replaces Stephen Farry as Alliance's deputy leader

Eóin Tennyson has been elected as the new deputy leader of the Alliance Party.

The Upper Bann MLA was selected during a special meeting of 190 party members in Belfast on Tuesday evening.

The former deputy leader Dr Stephen Farry stepped down from the role in September after losing his Westminster seat in the July general election.

Tennyson, who is 26, said he was "thankful" to party members for placing their trust in him.

"I take up this role at a hugely exciting time for our party," he said.

In a statement following his election, Tennyson paid tribute to Dr Farry, who he said "leaves big shoes to fill" and carried out his roles as MP for North Down and deputy leader "with honour and integrity".

He also said working with party leader Naomi Long is an "important role" that he was excited to begin.

'Change in gear'

Tennyson faced competition for the position, going up against south Belfast MLA Kate Nicholl.

He said that he and Nicholl are "friends and colleagues" and that she will play a "key role" in the party going forward.

“My elevation to this position is not about a change in direction but a change in gear," Tennyson added.

"I'm keen to build on the momentum created by Stephen, and to work with Naomi and the rest of our vibrant leadership team to develop and grow our party even further."

Tennyson was first elected to the Northern Ireland Assembly in 2022

Long said that Tennyson brings a "wealth of experience" to the role.

"Eóin is a fantastic politician and more importantly, a fantastic person," she said.

"With Eóin as part of the leadership team, the future undoubtedly looks bright for the party."

Who is Eóin Tennyson?

Born in Maghery in County Armagh, Tennyson studied accounting at Queen's University Belfast, before obtaining a Master's degree from University College Dublin.

He started his political career in 2019 when he became the first ever Alliance councillor to be elected in Armagh, Banbridge and Craigavon council.

In the 2019 UK general election, he placed third in Upper Bann, polling behind Sinn Féin's John O'Dowd and the DUP's Carla Lockhart.

In 2022, he came the assembly's youngest MLA after winning the final seat in Upper Bann.

He currently is the party's finance spokesperson.