Upper Bann MP Carla Lockhart has unveiled her plans for the future of unionism following her resignation from the Democratic Unionist Party (DUP) on Monday, 2 November.
In an eight-page document titled A Renewed Vision for Unionism, Lockhart outlines proposals for political accountability, stronger unionist cooperation and a new grassroots movement.
However, she has made two things clear:
- She is not establishing a new political party.
- She has no desire to become a party leader.
Instead, she wants to bring unionists together, regardless of their political affiliations.
What Is Lockhart Proposing?
Her document outlines six guiding principles:
- Rule of Law: Everyone, including elected representatives, must respect the law and court judgments.
- Democracy: Government must operate without threats, intimidation or terrorist influence.
- Grassroots Movement: Giving community organisations, cultural groups and volunteers a greater voice.
- Education and Opportunity: Helping young people access careers, mentoring and professional opportunities.
- United Unionism: Encouraging cooperation between unionist parties and independent representatives.
- Strength and Confidence: Promoting a more positive and confident vision of unionism.
What About Stormont?
Lockhart remains firmly opposed to Michelle O’Neill continuing as First Minister following the controversy surrounding the Drumcree parade dispute.
She believes the DUP should withdraw Emma Little-Pengelly as deputy First Minister, which would automatically leave both joint First Minister offices vacant.
Although the Assembly and other departmental ministers could continue operating, the Executive would face significant restrictions.
Her proposals include:
- Introducing tougher accountability rules for ministers.
- Creating new rules that could disqualify ministers following convictions for certain criminal offences.
- Strengthening the ministerial pledge of office.
- Requiring stronger safeguards before future nominations to the joint First Minister offices.
The proposed disqualification rules would apply prospectively rather than retrospectively.
The DUP leadership has rejected withdrawing Little-Pengelly, warning that the move would destabilise Northern Ireland’s power-sharing institutions.
O’Neill and other Sinn Féin representatives have been interviewed by police as part of an investigation into the Garvaghy Road protest. Being interviewed does not establish criminal wrongdoing.
The Irish Sea Border
Lockhart also wants renewed action over the Windsor Framework and Irish Sea trade barriers.
She has promised to publish further proposals addressing Northern Ireland’s trading arrangements with the rest of the United Kingdom.
A New Unionist Movement
Perhaps the most interesting part of the document is Lockhart’s ambition to build a movement outside traditional party structures.
Her plans include:
- Establishing a culture, community and education forum.
- Encouraging more women into leadership roles.
- Supporting young people through mentoring and career opportunities.
- Promoting unionist culture and heritage across the UK.
- Bringing together unionists from different political backgrounds.
She has pledged to hold the first community working-group meeting before Christmas.
Her proposals have also received the backing of former Labour MP and House of Lords member Baroness Kate Hoey, who contributed the foreword to the document.
What Does This Mean for the DUP?
Lockhart’s departure presents another political challenge for DUP leader Gavin Robinson.
Robinson has expressed regret over her resignation but insists the party remains united behind its approach to the Stormont dispute.
The DUP has also warned that further divisions within unionism could benefit Sinn Féin.
There are now several important questions:
- Could Lockhart attract support from disillusioned DUP voters?
- Will other unionist politicians publicly support her movement?
- Could the movement influence the 2027 Assembly election?
- Will it bring unionist parties closer together or create further divisions?
For now, Lockhart will continue representing Upper Bann at Westminster as an independent unionist MP.
What Happens Next?
Lockhart has promised further announcements on her political proposals and plans for the movement.
Although she is not establishing another political party, her departure from the DUP could still have significant consequences for unionism ahead of the 2027 Assembly election.
The big question is whether Carla Lockhart can achieve greater unionist unity from outside the DUP than she could from within it.