[7] Ahead of the 2015 general election, Robinson was selected by the DUP as their candidate for Belfast East, standing against Naomi Long, deputy leader of the Alliance Party, and the incumbent MP.

[21][22] Incidentally, Robinson became the only unionist MP in Belfast, after party colleagues Nigel Dodds and Emma Little-Pengelly lost their seats.

[23] In June 2023, Robinson put his name forward to be the next deputy leader of the DUP, following Paula Bradley's resignation.

[24] A Member of the Northern Ireland Assembly (MLA) for Upper Bann, Jonathan Buckley, also ran for the position.

I look forward to continuing to work with colleagues at every level within the party as we seek to deliver on our election commitments.

A new generation of unionists are stepping forward to serve at every level within our party and in service to Northern Ireland.

We all share the desire to play our part to help shape Northern Ireland into an even better place to live and work.

[33][34] At the party's campaign launch for the July 2024 general election, Robinson said that Irish Sea border had not been removed, contradicting the assurances Donaldson gave earlier in the year over the return of the Northern Ireland Executive.

[35][36][37][38]In Belfast East, Robinson and Long faced each other for the fourth consecutive election, in what was expected to be close race due to boundary changes and historical tactical voting in the constituency.