Paula Bradley was first elected in 2005 to the Newtownabbey legacy Council, she served as Mayor from 2010 – 2011.

She was successfully elected to the Northern Ireland Assembly in 2011 representing Belfast North. During her time as an Assembly member she served as Chairperson on the Committee for Health and the Committee for Communities. Paula also was an active member on many All-Party Groups including Stroke and Heart Disease, Sexual Health, Infertility, Autism and Homelessness.

Paula made the difficult decision in 2021 to withdraw from full time politics to look after her mother who had a diagnosis of Vascular Dementia. She was fortunate to return to Antrim and Newtownabbey Borough Council and is now an Alderman for the Glengormley Urban district electoral area.

Prior to election to the Assembly Paula worked for Social Services in the Northern Trust in Whiteabbey and Antrim Area Hospitals. This, along with being full time carer for her mother has given her first-hand experience of the challenges in navigating the system.