Robin Swann wins UK Politician of the Year Award
The Health Minister led the local war on covid-19.
The Health Minister has been honoured with a Politician of the Year gong at a ceremony in London.
Robin Swann, the Ulster Unionist MLA for North Antrim, scooped the prize at the Civility in Politics Awards, in a category that received over 200 nominations from the public.
The Minister led the local response to the Covid-19 pandemic, and was both applauded and criticised in doing so.
He even received personal threats and had to ramp up his security because of abuse from so-called "anti-vaxers".
Notably in 2022, he also got a soft-opt out organ donation bill over the line, and went viral on Cool FM for his relationship with the young West Belfast boy in need of a new heart, Dáithí MacGabhan,
Accepting the accolade, he said he tries to be fair, resilient and respectful.
"Someone once said - 'to lead with civility means you've decided as a leader - it's better to steer away from potential chaos and grow through simplicity by treating those you lead with respect, trust, honesty, effective communication, fairness, support, flexibility, resilience, a positive temperament, and ongoing development and encouragement'," he said.
"I strive to do this on a daily basis."
The award winner gets to nominate constituency charities to receive all or parts of a £3,000 prize.
Mr Swann chose loneliness-busting helplines Good Morning Ballymena and Good Morning Ballycastle, as well as Compass Advocacy Network, which works with adults with learning disabilities.
Read more:
Love Island's Ikenna admits Islanders DO KNOW about Gemma's dad Michael Owen
First look at The School for Good & Evil that filmed in Belfast
Sir Captain Tom Moore charity to be investigated by watchdog