Carla Lockhart has left the Democratic Unionist Party (DUP) over disagreements regarding the party's handling of the Drumcree parading dispute. The MP for Upper Bann, who has served since 2019, cited a 'point of principle' for her resignation and plans to continue as an independent unionist in the House of Commons.
The situation escalated following unionist dissatisfaction with Sinn Féin's involvement in protests against an Orange Order parade. Lockhart's departure highlights internal divisions within the DUP, which has seen a decline in its parliamentary representation in recent elections.