Carla Lockhart resigns from DUP after Drumcree dispute

MP Carla Lockhart has resigned from the Democratic Unionist Party (DUP) due to her opposition to the party's handling of the Drumcree parading dispute. Lockhart, representing the Upper Bann constituency, had been urging the party to remove the Deputy First Minister to compel First Minister Michelle O'Neill from their joint office.

She stated that her decision was based on principle and that she would continue serving in the House of Commons as an independent unionist. The dispute arose from unionist discontent over Sinn Féin's role in protests on Garvaghy Road, which obstructed a contentious Orange Order parade in Portadown, County Armagh. O'Neill and several Sinn Féin figures were under police investigation for allegedly acting unlawfully during the demonstrations.

The DUP, which shares power with Sinn Féin in Northern Ireland's devolved government, announced plans to block official engagements involving O'Neill as a response to the fallout. However, DUP leader Gavin Robinson declined to call for Lockhart's removal, emphasizing that a "graduated response" would be insulting to those who have trusted them.

Lockhart expressed her sadness over her departure, acknowledging her responsibility to her constituents and her intention to work with various unionist factions to advance the cause they support. The DUP regretted Lockhart's resignation, thanking her for her service and expressing solidarity with unionist anger towards O'Neill's actions.

Robinson acknowledged the profound consequences of the situation but deemed it unacceptable to risk further divisions within unionism, as it would benefit Sinn Féin. The decision leaves a party that once had ten MPs with just four representatives in the assembly, amid a challenging period leading up to the upcoming election.