DUP Leader Gavin Robinson Hopes MP Carla Lockhart Will Not Leave Party Amid Political Tensions

Democratic Unionist Party (DUP) leader Gavin Robinson has stated that he hopes Upper Bann MP Carla Lockhart will not leave the party, following internal tensions and reports regarding her political future.

Background on Political Tensions

The friction follows unionist anger over Sinn Féin's involvement in protests that prevented an Orange Order parade in Portadown from passing along Garvaghy Road. In response, Lockhart called for the DUP to remove First Minister Michelle O'Neill from office by having deputy first minister Emma Little-Pengelly resign. On Thursday, the DUP confirmed that Little-Pengelly would not participate in joint engagements with O'Neill, and permission would not be granted for the first minister to operate solo.

Party Response and Lockhart's Stance

• DUP Stance: Leader Gavin Robinson described the decision by DUP assembly members to halt engagements as "unanimous" and stated he hopes Lockhart will remain in the party. Other DUP politicians, including assembly members Diane Forsythe and Maurice Bradley, have also backed calls regarding O'Neill.
• Lockhart's Position: Lockhart previously stepped down from the party's officer board and indicated in a letter that she would "take her own course" if O'Neill was not removed. On Friday, Lockhart stated on social media that she will "set out the path ahead early next week" while continuing to represent Upper Bann.

Wider Political Reactions

The DUP's actions led to the blocking of O'Neill from attending the UK-wide National Economic Council meeting, which Prime Minister Andy Burnham described as disappointing. Other political figures, including Sinn Féin MP John Finucane, Alliance Party assembly member Kate Nicholl, TUV leader Jim Allister, UUP leader Jon Burrows, and SDLP assembly member Matthew O'Toole, offered mixed criticisms regarding the DUP's strategy and the impact on political institutions.

Police stated they have built cases against 60 suspects in connection with the Drumcree and Garvaghy Road protests, with 18 suspects interviewed so far.