Nicola Verner
Former High Sheriff of Belfast
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Nicola Angela Verner (born July 1976) is a Democratic Unionist Party (DUP) politician who was High Sheriff of Belfast from 2020 to 2021, as well as a Belfast City Councillor for the Court DEA since 2019.[2]
Nicola Verner | |
|---|---|
| High Sheriff of Belfast | |
| In office 16 January 2020 – January 2021 | |
| Preceded by | Tommy Sandford |
| Succeeded by | Michael Long |
| Member of Belfast City Council | |
| Assumed office 2 May 2019 | |
| Preceded by | Jolene Bunting |
| Constituency | Court |
| In office 27 September 2013 – 22 May 2014 | |
| Preceded by | William Humphrey |
| Succeeded by | Jolene Bunting |
| Constituency | Court |
| Personal details | |
| Born | July 1976 (age 49)[1] Woodvale, Belfast, Northern Ireland |
| Party | DUP |
Background
Verner was co-opted onto Belfast City Council in September 2013, succeeding Court councillor William Humphrey.[3] On her selection, she said: “As someone who has lived all my life in the Greater Shankill area, I am aware of his dedication to this community and I will work diligently to continue that reputation. I look forward to working closely with the local community in this new capacity and with the strong team of party colleagues locally and at City Hall. I am committed to the area, a community I am passionate about. This is reflected in my employment history and through my personal life and my connections to the area.”[4] At the 2014 local elections, Verner lost her seat to the Traditional Unionist Voice's Jolene Bunting.[5]
Verner returned to the Council at the 2019 local elections, being one of three DUP candidates to be elected in Court.[6][7]
In January 2020, she was appointed High Sheriff of Belfast, becoming the 13th woman to serve in the position.[8][9]
Verner retained her seat at the 2023 local elections, being elected on the first count.[10][11]