Alex Easton.

Sitting as an independent since leaving the Ulster Unionist Party in 2024, Alex Easton has been one of Westminster's more active cross-bench rebels in recent weeks — backing Conservative amendments to cap steel nationalisation costs and require NAO sign-off on public assistance, supporting opposition calls for greater defence spending, and opposing the government's timetable restriction on the National Security (State Threats) Bill. His voting pattern in June 2026 consistently aligned with Conservative and Liberal Democrat positions against what he characterised as insufficient parliamentary oversight of public spending.

Easton's participation rate of 44% — well below the Commons average — reflects in part the reality of representing a Northern Ireland constituency from the opposition benches without a party machine behind him. Where he does vote, the pattern is distinctive: 100% alignment with pro-parliamentary-scrutiny and pro-Lords-scrutiny positions, strong support for welfare measures, and near-total opposition to the government's flagship economic agenda — including the Windsor Framework, rail nationalisation, and the autumn Budget. His 142 contributions across 102 debates cover a broad range, with economy, social care, health, and defence dominating his speeches. His 60% party alignment score reflects how loosely "independent majority" can be defined for a one-person grouping.

Local coverage offers a warmer picture: Easton drew positive press for climbing Kilimanjaro to raise funds for North Down food banks and mental health charities, and for opposing a hotel development at Bangor Castle on community access grounds. His stance against the Windsor Framework — voting with zero alignment to his former UUP colleagues' 76% support — signals a continued Eurosceptic unionist position that shaped his departure from that party. No committee roles are recorded, which limits his behind-the-scenes influence.