Carla Lockhart, the Member of Parliament for Upper Bann, has resigned from the Democratic Unionist Party (DUP) following a dispute over the party's response to the Drumcree parading issue. Lockhart stated her departure was on a "point of principle," asserting her responsibility to her constituents and her inability to remain inactive while what she perceives as Sinn Féin disregarding the rule of law goes without profound consequences.
Lockhart had advocated for the DUP to withdraw its deputy first minister from Stormont, a move she believed would compel First Minister Michelle O'Neill to leave their joint office. This position was not adopted by the DUP leadership under Gavin Robinson, who opted for a less drastic measure of blocking official engagements involving O'Neill. In an open letter to colleagues, Lockhart described her proposed action as the "only one credible option" and any lesser response as an "insult" to those who trusted the party.
She announced her decision on her Facebook page, emphasizing her commitment to continuing her work for the people of Upper Bann as an independent unionist. Lockhart expressed her intention to collaborate with "all shades of unionism" to advance their shared cause.
The DUP acknowledged Lockhart's resignation with regret, thanking her for her service and recognizing her work for her constituents. The party stated that "further divisions within unionism" would benefit Sinn Féin, and while they shared the anger over O'Neill's actions, their disagreement with Lockhart centered on the most effective course of action to ensure accountability and serve Northern Ireland.
BBC News NI political editor Enda McClafferty noted that Lockhart's departure was a significant personal decision, given her deep family ties to the DUP. He described her as having become a "lone voice" in her confrontation with the party leadership, despite some support and backing from Portadown Orangemen and other unionists. McClafferty highlighted that Robinson's decision to not collapse the executive carried a political cost, resulting in the DUP losing an MP and facing the challenge of an upcoming assembly election.