Upper Bann MP Carla Lockhart has resigned from the Democratic Unionist Party (DUP) with immediate effect, announcing that she will continue to represent her constituency as an independent unionist.

In a letter to DUP leader Gavin Robinson dated 2 November 2026, Ms Lockhart confirmed her departure from both the party and its parliamentary group, bringing an end to more than two decades of membership.

The MP said the decision had been reached after much reflection, describing it as a painful one, but insisting that she could no longer remain within the party in good conscience.

Ms Lockhart's departure follows a disagreement with the DUP leadership over its response to the Drumcree parading dispute and the involvement of Sinn Féin First Minister Michelle O'Neill in a protest on the Garvaghy Road in Portadown.

The Upper Bann MP had argued that the DUP should withdraw Deputy First Minister Emma Little-Pengelly from the Stormont Executive, which would have resulted in Ms O'Neill also leaving her position as First Minister under the power-sharing arrangements.

However, the DUP leadership opted against taking that step, instead pursuing other measures in response to the dispute.

In her resignation letter, Ms Lockhart said her position had been set out in an earlier letter dated 29 October, adding that the party's response had fallen short of the promised consequences. "Alongside my concerns over the implementation of the Irish Sea border, this has left me unable, in all conscience, to continue within the party," she wrote.

The letter also sought to emphasise that her departure was not a personal dispute with Mr Robinson, saying she appreciated the manner in which he had approached their disagreements and bore no animosity towards him or the party.

She added that she remained willing to work with other unionists on issues affecting Northern Ireland and its position within the Union.

Ms Lockhart also made clear that she intends to continue representing Upper Bann and would seek re-election at future Westminster elections, saying her first responsibility remained to the constituency.

DUP expresses regret at resignation

Responding to the announcement, the DUP said it regretted Ms Lockhart's decision and thanked her for her service to the party and her work on behalf of the people of Upper Bann.

In its response, the party said: "The only winner out of further divisions within unionism is Sinn Féin."

It added: "We share the anger felt across unionism at Michelle O'Neill's actions. Our disagreement is over the course of action that will secure accountability and best serve Northern Ireland."

The resignation marks a significant development in the ongoing divisions within the DUP over how to respond to the Drumcree dispute, with Ms Lockhart now set to continue her parliamentary work outside the party.