# MP Carla Lockhart quits DUP in Drumcree row

- URL: https://talkfuse.com/story/mp-carla-lockhart-quits-dup-in-drumcree-row/
- Published: 2026-11-02T18:17:31+00:00
- Updated: 2026-11-04T00:52:46+00:00
- Original publisher: BBC Politics (publisher lean: Centre)
- Original article: https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/cm87zn1vy28zo?at_medium=RSS&at_campaign=rss
- Topics: Government, Politics

## Key points

- Carla Lockhart has left the DUP.
- She wanted stronger action over the Drumcree parade dispute.
- She will serve as an independent unionist MP.

## Summary

Carla Lockhart has resigned from the Democratic Unionist Party (DUP) after clashing with its leadership over how to respond to Sinn Féin’s involvement in protests against an Orange Order parade in Portadown. The Upper Bann MP said she was leaving on a point of principle and would continue as an independent unionist.

Lockhart had urged the DUP to withdraw Stormont’s deputy first minister, which she argued would force First Minister Michelle O’Neill from office. DUP leader Gavin Robinson instead chose a different response, including blocking official engagements with O’Neill; the party said it shared unionist anger but disagreed with Lockhart over the best way to secure accountability. O’Neill and other Sinn Féin figures have been interviewed by police investigating the protests, while Sinn Féin has defended her participation.

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Summarised by TalkFuse (https://talkfuse.com/). Quote the original publisher for the reporting and link this page for the summary and discussion.