MP fights back tears as he recalls death of parents in first Parliament speech

A new MP fought back tears after recalling the death of his parents in a house fire, saying of his election to Parliament: “I hope I made you proud.”

Alex Easton dabbed his eyes and was hugged by fellow MPs after delivering his first speech in the House of Commons on Monday (22 July).

The independent unionist MP’s success was tinged with sadness after his mother and father died in January 2023 following a blaze at a property in the Dellmount Park area of Bangor.

Alec and Ann Easton, who were aged in their 80s, were treated for injuries but both died at the scene.

Speaking in the Commons on Monday (22 July), Mr Easton said their deaths “caused a lot of heartache for me”.