A long-serving Dungannon councillor has resigned from the Democratic Unionist Party and will continue on Mid Ulster District Council as an Independent Unionist.
In a statement to constituents, Clement Cuthbertson – who has been a DUP member since 1996 and an elected representative since 2014 – said the party is “no longer the party I joined in my teenage years”.
Confirming he will now represent the Dungannon area as an Independent Unionist councillor, he said the decision had been “difficult” but that he “cannot remain in a party when its actions no longer match the standards I believe it should uphold”.
He cited ongoing controversy around First Minister Michelle O’Neill’s attendance on the Garvaghy Road – currently the subject of a police investigation – as a key factor, saying he believes she “should no longer remain First Minister”.
“A response that leaves her in office, carrying on as before, does not meet the seriousness of the issue or the expectations placed on the DUP,” he said.
“The law must apply equally, and political leaders must be held to account when their conduct brings the institutions into disrepute.”
However, he stressed he does not support collapsing the Executive or disrupting public services, echoing the position set out last week by Upper Bann MP Carla Lockhart.
“As my good friend, Carla Lockhart MP clearly set out last week, the arrangements provided for in law mean that removing the First Minister would not have caused Stormont to collapse,” he stated.
“Political accountability can be pursued while protecting the services people depend on.”
The councillor said his concerns go “beyond one issue or one individual”, pointing to what he described as a “loss of confidence in the direction the DUP has taken in recent years”.
He claimed “the Unionist people were misled by the party hierarchy over the deals around the Irish Sea border”.
Reflecting on his own experience, he referred to being suspended from council last year “for speaking out”, saying the DUP had offered “little support and continued to hold it against me”.
“The people of the Dungannon area have stood by me… I have not forgotten the trust and support I received from you,” he said.
He added that remaining in the party would now mean “asking people to accept a position I cannot defend”.
Reaffirming his political stance, he said: “I remain a strong Unionist and support strengthening Unionism through unity. To that end, I will not be commenting further in public on the issues I have raised in this correspondence. Those close to me know my thoughts.”
The councillor insisted his core focus remains unchanged.
“My commitment to the Dungannon area is unchanged. I will continue to represent you as an Independent Unionist councillor, speak up for local people and work on the issues affecting our communities,” he said.
“I know some may question my decision. I will continue to take the time to listen to everyone I represent. Please do not hesitate to get in touch. I am grateful for your support, but I know it must be earned through hard work.
“I believe this move will give me renewed energy to serve the Dungannon area with strength.”
