Carla Lockhart resigns from the DUP

Play Brightcove video Carla Lockhart has resigned from the DUP over the party's stance on the Drumcree parading controversy. The move follows mounting speculation that the Upper Bann MP would leave the party, amid a dispute with party leadership on the future of the Stormont Executive. In a document posted on social media post on Monday, Ms Lockhart confirmed her decision, describing her resignation as a "difficult and deeply personal decision".

Man in court after 17 improvised explosive devices found in north Belfast Olympian Ciara Mageean remembered as ‘a champion in every sense of the word’ In the 8 page document entitled, 'A Renewed Vision for Unionism', Ms Lockhart said: "I want to be a politician whose word means something. When I say I will take a stand, people should be able to trust that I will follow through. "The party has chosen its approach, as is its right. I must now act according to my convictions."

In a statement, the DUP said: "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."

Ms Lockhart had called on the DUP to withdraw its deputy First Minister Emma Little-Pengelly from her office – a move that would automatically force Sinn Féin First Minister Michelle O’Neill from her role. The Upper Bann MP argued that Ms O’Neill can no longer serve as First Minister due to her participation in an allegedly unlawful protest against the Orange Order Drumcree parade on the Garvaghy Road in Portadown last month. The DUP has stopped short of pulling Ms Little-Pengelly out of her role but on Thursday announced she would no longer participate in joint engagements with Ms O’Neill.

Mr Robinson said Ms Little-Pengelly will also not be giving permission for Ms O’Neill to fulfil engagements on her own in the role of First Minister. The furore is playing out amid the customary political manoeuvring that takes place at Stormont ahead of an Assembly election. The next poll is currently due to be held in May. A decision by the Parades Commission adjudication body to allow the Orange Order to parade down the Garvaghy Road for the first time in almost 30 years prompted a two-week stand-off at the site of what was a notorious parading flashpoint during the Troubles.

The parade was ultimately unable to take place because of significant numbers of protesters on the Garvaghy Road, leading Northern Ireland Secretary Sir Chris Bryant to overturn the commission’s decision and ban the procession. His decision was upheld by a High Court judge on Wednesday. Under parading laws in Northern Ireland, protests must be notified to, and approved by, the Parades Commission. Catch up with the latest UTV Live on ITVX Sign up for our free weekly newsletter here.

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