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| Version 0 | Version 1 |
|---|---|
| UUP man defects over Hermon row | UUP man defects over Hermon row |
| (10 minutes later) | |
| The chairman of North Down Ulster Unionist Association has resigned from the party and is joining the DUP. | The chairman of North Down Ulster Unionist Association has resigned from the party and is joining the DUP. |
| It is understood Mark Brooks was unhappy with the UUP leadership and was critical of the stance taken by the party's sole MP Lady Sylvia Hermon. | It is understood Mark Brooks was unhappy with the UUP leadership and was critical of the stance taken by the party's sole MP Lady Sylvia Hermon. |
| Last week, Lady Hermon said she would not stand under the Conservative and Unionist banner at the next election. | |
| Mr Brooks is said to have been unhappy with the way the matter was dealt with by party leader Sir Reg Empey. | |
| He is also thought to have had other concerns about party discipline. | |
| Mr Brooks has been speaking to the DUP about joining them for some time and he has informed Lady Hermon about his intention. | |
| BBC Northern Ireland political reporter Stephen Walker said: "Mark Brooks has been unhappy for some time and it was the events of last week that finally led to him quitting the party. | |
| "For the Conservatives and Unionists who are in the midst of a European election campaign it is another blow after last weeks headlines involving Lady Sylvia Hermon." |