Gareth Wilson, from Aghory, Co Armagh, is a DUP MLA for Newry and Armagh and previously long-serving local councillor. Gareth was elected to the former Armagh City & District Council in 2005 and more recently has served in Armagh City, Banbridge & Craigavon Borough Council (ABC), serving as Lord Mayor in 2017. He has completed twenty years in local government this year, gaining a valuable insight into many aspects of civic life, democratic processes, and engagement across the political spectrum. Before becoming a MLA, Gareth worked as a parliamentary assistant to William Irwin MLA, supporting constituency services and public communications. Passionate about community engagement and civic life, Gareth is also active in his Christian faith and local activism. Married to Allison with two children, he enjoys construction projects, target sports, and restoring classic vehicles in his spare time.