Carla Lockhart has posted a copy of her resignation to DUP leader Gavin Robinson on social media on Monday evening.

THe Upper Bann MP said she was quitting the party ‘with immediate effect’ but will keep her seat at Westminster as an independent unionist MP.

“The DUP has been my political home for more than two decades. This is a painful decision, reached after much reflection,” she wrote.

“My letter of 29 October set out my position and the steps I believed necessary. The party’s response has fallen far short of the profound consequences promised. Alongside my concerns over the implementation of the Irish Sea border, this has left me unable, in all conscience, to continue within the party.

Carla Lockhart from the DUP outside Drumcree Parochial Hall in Portadown. Peter Morrison/PA Wire

placeholder image — Carla Lockhart from the DUP outside Drumcree Parochial Hall in Portadown. Peter Morrison/PA Wire

“I must remain true to my principles and the trust those who elected me have placed in me. I appreciate the cordial manner in which you have approached our disagreements.

“None of this is personal, and I bear no animosity towards you or the party. There is much upon which we can continue to work together for Northern Ireland and our place within the Union. I stand ready to do so in friendship and cooperation.

“My first responsibility remains to Upper Bann, and I will continue in this mandate, and in future mandates to seek election to serve as their representative in whichever capacity I believe I can best serve this great constituency.

“I hope we can preserve our friendship and, forge a force for good within all strains of Unionism in the days ahead.”

Carla Lockhart of the DUP looks at her mobile phone outside Belfast High Court after Justice Patricia Smyth issued a temporary injunction banning the Orange Order from marching on the Garvaghy Road in Portadown on September 26, 2026. Mark Marlow/PA Wire

In a statement following Ms Lockhart’s resignation, a DUP spokesperson said: “We regret Carla Lockhart’s decision to resign from the Democratic Unionist Party.

“We thank her for her service to the Party and recognise her work on behalf of the people of Upper Bann.

“The only winner out of further divisions within unionism is Sinn Féin.”

Traditional Unionist Voice leader Jim Allister meanwhile said: “Congratulations to Carla Lockhart MP on following her conscience. Having myself resigned from the DUP almost 20 years ago, I know this was not an easy decision. But for honest politicians principle matters more than position.

“The DUP’s preference for ‘O’Neill Must Stay’ caused them to choose Michelle O’Neill over Carla Lockhart. Little wonder their electoral base is deserting them.”

He added: “Going forward I look forward to working closely with Carla and her vision to rejuvenate unionism away from the rollover tendency.”