DUP MP Carla Lockhart quits as a party officer over Drumcree 'strategy' row

DUP MP Carla Lockhart has resigned her position as a party officer. It comes amid a difference of opinion between her and party leader Gavin Robinson on whether to withdraw deputy First Minister Emma Little-Pengelly from the Stormont Executive. Ms Lockhart confirmed she has quit the position in a statement posted on her social media account. "Party Officers is a small decision making body of the party, one I have been a part of for the past 5 years," she wrote on Facebook. "This is not something I intended to share publicly, but it appears someone internally within the DUP grouping leaked this to the media. "I believe in standing true to my principles. I cannot continue to be part of the team that decide on the direction and strategy discussions of the party, whilst clearly having concerns about that. "I have already highlighted my concerns publicly about the need for profound consequences. Whilst the party, has been clear that all options are still on the table, I believe that the speed of these needs to be quicker. "There have been many stories written about me in recent weeks, I’d rather not be the subject of these, but I will not shy away from standing up for what I believe in. Don’t believe everything you hear about me. I will speak for myself and anything I want to say, I will say in my own name. "My focus will always be on representing Upper Bann. I will continue to do that without favour. As a proud unionist, I will continue to make the case for Northern Ireland and its place within the United Kingdom." Ms Lockhart has previously argued that the party should remove Ms Little-Pengelly from her post as it would automatically remove Sinn Féin First Minister Michelle O’Neill from her position. The Upper Bann MP believes the party should no longer serve alongside Ms O’Neill after the Sinn Féin vice president took part in an allegedly unlawful protest on the Garvaghy Road in Portadown last month. Ms O’Neill attended a police station in Belfast on Wednesday for an arranged interview with officers investigating the unnotified protest, which was staged as part of efforts to stop an Orange Order parade proceeding down the predominantly nationalist road. Mr Robinson has said he is "sorry to see" Ms Lockhart - who he appointed to the party officers - leave the position and insisted she "remains a key part of our team". The DUP leader also said his party is democratic and has come to an “agreed position” not to withdraw Ms Little-Pengelly from the Executive. Catch up with the latest UTV Live on ITVX Sign up for our free weekly newsletter here. Want a quick and expert briefing on the biggest news stories? Listen to our latest podcasts to find out What You Need To Know. Weather forecast for Northern Ireland