Northern Ireland

Councillor Sharon McKillop defects from TUV to DUP

Sharon McKillop has left the TUV for DUP
Sharon McKillop has left the TUV for DUP Sharon McKillop has left the TUV for DUP

A Causeway Coast and Glens councillor has defected from the TUV to the DUP.

Sharon McKillop joined Arlene Foster's party just days before the DUP gathers for its annual conference.

Ms McKillop said she wanted to be part of "promoting a strong, positive case for the union".

"I share the DUP’s vision for this, and in particular the words of Arlene Foster when she said that unionism does best when it is confident, outward looking and welcoming," she said.

Mrs Foster described her party's new recruit as a "dedicated and committed unionist".

However, a spokesman the TUV said: "Given that Alderman McKillop said in her resignation email 'I agree with the TUV policies', we find it hard to understand firstly why she left and secondly why she should join a party which has a radically different vision for Northern Ireland which includes as a core policy partnership with Sinn Fein/IRA.

"If it is a mere move of expediency, then, it does not reflect well on Mrs McKillop."