Graduating with a Law degree from Queen’s University Belfast, Martin McAuley has worked in communications and policy development for senior political leaders since 2013. He is currently Political Advisor to Colum Eastwood MP.

Involved in the SDLP all-party negotiations team during Haas/O’Sullivan, Stormont House and the Fresh Start negotiations, he led the party’s communications team from 2019-2024. 

Prior to taking up his role in the SDLP, Martin was the UK national policy lead on climate change and rural land for a global professional body in the built environment sector.