MP Carla Lockhart has resigned from the Democratic Unionist Party amid controversy surrounding a recent parade dispute.
Her departure follows criticism regarding how the party managed the fallout after a court decision reversed a Parades Commission ruling.
In June, Lockhart faced scrutiny after images emerged showing her at a protest standing close to masked individuals.
She maintained that she was present alongside other unionist representatives and community leaders to assist in preventing disorder.
The conflict resurfaced in 2026 when legal action successfully challenged the original decision limiting the procession route.
As Upper Bann MP, the Portadown-based incident has directly impacted her electoral constituency.
Lockhart had previously championed the Orange Order's request to march along Garvaghy Road under traditional arrangements.
Although the commission later permitted the event with tighter safeguards, local residents ultimately blocked the planned route.
Tensions rose further when elected nationalist MLAs, including First Minister Michelle O'Neill, appeared among the demonstrators on the street.
The document in question formed part of a broader attempt to settle disagreements between the Orange Order and the Garvaghy Road Residents' Coalition.
Lockhart was also seen attending a counter-demonstration in Scarva opposing a Palestine solidarity walk.
She stated that her presence at the event was not intended to inflame tensions between groups.