Easton is of South African descent through his South African father.[2] He grew up in Bangor, before moving several times and returning to Bangor when he was 10.[2] Easton was educated at Gransha Boys High School and Bangor Technical College. He worked in the accident and emergency department in the Newtownards and then the Ulster Hospital as a clerical officer.[2]
He was elected to the Northern Ireland Assembly in the 2003 election, for the constituency of North Down, and returned again in 2007, 2011, 2016 and again in 2017, when he topped the poll for North Down, having increased his vote each election.
Easton is opposed to a border poll, and has said those politically backing a backstop through Brexit could potentially lead to a border poll and is a threat to the Union, which must be opposed. Easton is also opposed to the Northern Ireland protocol.
He announced his resignation from the DUP on 1 July 2021, stating that he saw no "respect, discipline or decency" in the party's recent behaviour.[3]