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03/10/2002
Conservative MP steps down from party to join DUP
Westminster MP, and staunch supporter of unionism, Andrew Hunter has announced his decision to stand down from the Conservative party and join the Democratic Unionist Party.
Mr Hunter, who is MP for Basingstoke, made the announcement on Wednesday after informing Conservative Party leader Iain Duncan Smith of his intentions in a written letter. In the letter, he confirmed that he would be leaving Westminster at the next general election.
He said his decision was based on the fact that Northern Ireland was approaching a pivotal moment in its history and that the Ulster Unionist Party was not up to the challenge.
Speaking on BBC Radio Ulster on Thursday, Mr Hunter said: "I think the collective leadership of the UUP has a lot to account for in its handling of events over the past few years. The DUP has a consistent approach of opposition to the Belfast Agreement and its implementation and that I think that is the way forward."
Explaining his decision to join the DUP, Mr Hunter said: "I see the DUP as a rapidly changing organisation… emerging as a broad church. I see it reflecting the breadths of unionism."
The DUP's Lagan Valley association will decide on Monday who will stand in the assembly elections with Mr Hunter one of the likely candidates.
Association member, Ian Paisley Junior, described Mr Hunter's candidature as "probably one of the most significant developments within unionist politics for several decades".
Mr Hunter has been Member of Parliament for Basingstoke since 1983 and has been a Member of the Northern Ireland Affairs Select Committee since 1994. He has also been Vice-Chairman of the Conservative Northern Ireland Committee since 1997.
(MB)
Mr Hunter, who is MP for Basingstoke, made the announcement on Wednesday after informing Conservative Party leader Iain Duncan Smith of his intentions in a written letter. In the letter, he confirmed that he would be leaving Westminster at the next general election.
He said his decision was based on the fact that Northern Ireland was approaching a pivotal moment in its history and that the Ulster Unionist Party was not up to the challenge.
Speaking on BBC Radio Ulster on Thursday, Mr Hunter said: "I think the collective leadership of the UUP has a lot to account for in its handling of events over the past few years. The DUP has a consistent approach of opposition to the Belfast Agreement and its implementation and that I think that is the way forward."
Explaining his decision to join the DUP, Mr Hunter said: "I see the DUP as a rapidly changing organisation… emerging as a broad church. I see it reflecting the breadths of unionism."
The DUP's Lagan Valley association will decide on Monday who will stand in the assembly elections with Mr Hunter one of the likely candidates.
Association member, Ian Paisley Junior, described Mr Hunter's candidature as "probably one of the most significant developments within unionist politics for several decades".
Mr Hunter has been Member of Parliament for Basingstoke since 1983 and has been a Member of the Northern Ireland Affairs Select Committee since 1994. He has also been Vice-Chairman of the Conservative Northern Ireland Committee since 1997.
(MB)
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