TUV backs Lockhart's DUP resignation as party accused of choosing O'Neill over MP

TUV West Tyrone representative Stevan Patterson has thrown his support behind Carla Lockhart following her resignation from the DUP, accusing the party of putting its relationship with First Minister Michelle O'Neill ahead of one of its own MPs.

Mr Patterson, the TUV's Assembly candidate for West Tyrone, said Ms Lockhart had taken a principled stand by leaving the party amid the ongoing row over its response to the Drumcree parading dispute.

In a strongly worded statement, he said: “She has rightly recognised in good conscience that a democrat cannot remain in a party that supports a First Minister who acts as both lawmaker and lawbreaker.

“Shamefully, the DUP has chosen Michelle O’Neill over Carla Lockhart.”

Mr Patterson also used the resignation to renew the TUV's criticism of the DUP's handling of the Northern Ireland Protocol and Windsor Framework, claiming the arrangements continued to undermine Northern Ireland's place within the United Kingdom.

He argued that a Unionist could not remain in a party which continued to implement arrangements he said maintained an Irish Sea border and placed Northern Ireland under EU rules.

He also challenged the DUP's claims surrounding its Safeguarding the Union deal, stating that the party had told voters the border had been removed when, in his view, that had not happened.

Looking ahead, Mr Patterson said he expected Ms Lockhart to work alongside the TUV and other Unionists in her new position as an Independent Unionist MP for Upper Bann.

He added: “As Carla Lockhart begins her journey as an Independent Unionist MP for Upper Bann, I know she will work closely with the TUV and other Unionists to strengthen our great United Kingdom and champion principle over party politics.”