Carla Lockhart announces DUP resignation and plans grassroots movement

Upper Bann MP Carla Lockhart has announced her resignation from the DUP and set out plans for a grassroots unionist movement.

In a document linked from her official website, she says her reasons were given in a letter to the party leader dated 2 November. She describes leaving the party after more than twenty years as a difficult personal decision.

Lockhart says she will continue representing Upper Bann and helping constituents with local and Westminster matters.

Her proposed movement would bring together community organisations and individuals. She says she is not establishing a new political party.

The document sets out plans for a working group involving community organisations, educators and professionals from Upper Bann and elsewhere in Northern Ireland, with its first meeting intended before Christmas.

These are Lockhart's stated plans. The document does not confirm that the proposed forum has already met.