In ananticipated move, Carla Lockhart tonight quit the DUP.
Lockhart published her resignation letter to DUP leader Gavin Robinson on Facebook accompanied by a personal statement which set her reasoning to the public.
Today I informed the party leader, Gavin Robinson, that I have resigned from the Democratic Unionist Party. I have included below a copy of my letter.
I will sit in the House of Commons as an independent Unionist.
My first responsibility remains to the people of Upper Bann. You placed your trust in me, and I will continue to work every bit as hard for you, your family and our community.
My leaving is on a point of principle. I stood in front of in or around 15,000 people and said this lady was not for turning. I have said Michelle O’Neill should be removed from office whilst allowing the Assembly to continue to function, as provided for in the legislation. I stand over that.
I cannot stand idly by whilst Sinn Féin wilfully ignores the rule of law and the promised profound consequences fail to materialise.
Today in the Assembly Michelle O’Neill again stands defiant, declaring she is as much First Minister this week as last week. This simply is not tolerable. A line in the sand needed to be drawn in unionism long ago: today I am drawing my line.
For over twenty years, the DUP has been my political home. This is a sad day and a deeply personal decision. Many good people within the party remain my friends. That will not change.
I do not intend to give a running commentary on its inner workings. I seek no conflict with any of my friends in the DUP.
From Scarva in June this year right through to Drumcree, I have felt the onslaught of lies, abuse and attempts to make this about me as a person. But on both occasions I stood with the community that elects me. I stood up for them, and I stand over everything I did. I still do.
Their courage, conviction and support strengthened my determination. I wouldn’t change a thing about standing with them.
My principles have not changed. When I say I will take a stand, people should be able to trust that I will follow through.
I am standing up for what I believe and I will continue to serve Upper Bann as your MP. At the next Westminster election, rest assured the name Carla Lockhart will be on the ballot paper.
I am not establishing a new political party. I want to help build a grassroots movement, opening doors for young people, encouraging women into leadership and bringing Unionists together around shared principles and practical action.
I look forward to working with all shades of Unionism, elected or not, to advance the cause we love and give our time to preserve.
Included in the post is a link to a document in which she sets out her own vision of Unionism’s future, and you can find that here.
The DUP have issued a statement in response
We regret Carla Lockhart’s decision to resign from the Democratic Unionist Party. We thank her for her service to the Party and recognise her work on behalf of the people of Upper Bann.
“The only winner out of further divisions within unionism is Sinn Fein.
“We share the anger felt across unionism at Michelle O’Neill’s actions. Our disagreement is over the course of action that will secure accountability and best serve Northern Ireland.”
Lockhart’s departure brings the DUP to the lowest number of MPs it has held in Westminster in 25 years, falling below the 5 seat tally it won at the 2001 General Election.
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