Upper Bann MP Carla Lockhart has resigned from the DUP with immediate effect, announcing she will continue at Westminster as an independent unionist.
In a letter sent to party leader Gavin Robinson – and copied to the Speaker of the House of Commons – Ms Lockhart said it was “with deep regret” that she was leaving the party after more than 20 years.
She wrote: “It is with deep regret that I resign from the DUP Parliamentary group and my membership of the party with immediate effect. I will continue to serve Upper Bann as an independent unionist MP… The DUP has been my political home for more than two decades. This is a painful decision, reached after much reflection.”
Ms Lockhart referred to an earlier letter, dated October 29, in which she had set out the “steps I believed necessary”, and said the party’s response had “fallen far short of the profound consequences promised”.
She continued: “Alongside my concerns over the implementation of the Irish Sea border, this has left me unable, in all conscience, to continue within the party.
“I must remain true to my principles and the trust those who elected me have placed in me.”
Addressing Mr Robinson directly, she added: “I appreciate the cordial manner in which you have approached our disagreements. None of this is personal, and I bear no animosity towards you or the party.
“There is much upon which we can continue to work together for Northern Ireland and our place within the Union. I stand ready to do so in friendship and cooperation.”
Ms Lockhart said her “first responsibility remains to Upper Bann” and signalled her intention to stand again in future elections.
“I will continue in this mandate, and in future mandates to seek election to serve as their representative in whichever capacity I believe I can best serve this great constituency,” she wrote.
“I hope we can preserve our friendship and forge a force for good within all strains of Unionism in the days ahead.”
In a detailed statement on social media, Ms Lockhart said her departure was “on a point of principle”, citing her stance on Sinn Féin vice-president and First Minister Michelle O’Neill and the lack of what had been billed as “profound consequences”.
She said: “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.”
Describing the move as “a sad day and a deeply personal decision”, she stressed she did not seek a feud with former colleagues.
“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.”
Referring to recent controversy and criticism around her appearances at Scarva in June and at Drumcree, she said she had “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,” she added. “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.”
Ms Lockhart insisted her core values remain unchanged.
“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.”
She also moved to quash any suggestion that she intends to found a new political party, instead signalling plans to help organise a wider grassroots effort within unionism.
“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.”
