Upper Bann MP Carla Lockhart has resigned from the Democratic Unionist Party with immediate effect, citing the leadership's refusal to act more forcefully against Sinn Féin First Minister Michelle O'Neill over the Drumcree parading dispute. Lockhart announced her departure in a letter to DUP leader Gavin Robinson on Monday. She will continue to represent her constituency as an independent unionist in the House of Commons.

The resignation follows weeks of disagreement over how to respond to O'Neill's participation in a protest on the Garvaghy Road in Portadown in September. The protest prevented an Orange Order march from proceeding. O'Neill and several Sinn Féin figures are being investigated by police for their involvement. Lockhart had argued that the DUP should withdraw Deputy First Minister Emma Little-Pengelly from her Stormont office, which would automatically remove O'Neill from her position under power-sharing rules. The DUP leadership instead opted to block official engagements involving O'Neill but stopped short of collapsing the Executive.

In her resignation letter, Lockhart said the party's response had fallen far short of the profound consequences that had been promised. She also raised concerns over the implementation of the Irish Sea border. Lockhart stated that the decision was painful and reached after much reflection, and that she bore no animosity towards Robinson or the party.

The DUP expressed regret over Lockhart's departure, thanking her for her service. The party's statement said the only winner from divisions within unionism is Sinn Féin, and that the disagreement was over the best course of action to secure accountability.

Robinson said he was sorry to see Lockhart go and would not criticise her. He said the disagreement was over strategy, not sentiment. He maintained that the party was fully behind his position, with unanimous support from officers and MLAs.

Sinn Féin Finance Minister John O'Dowd said the DUP needed to set party politics aside as the Executive worked on budget discussions. The Executive is expected to hold further talks with the Northern Ireland Secretary later this week. There is still no agreed budget for the current financial year, and health workers could strike if a long-awaited pay deal is not released.

Traditional Unionist Voice leader Jim Allister said Lockhart would be welcome in his party but understood her decision to sit as an independent. He stated that the DUP had chosen to keep O'Neill in place rather than retain Lockhart.