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UUP man defects over Hermon row UUP man defects in Tory pact row
(30 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. Mark Brooks was unhappy with the UUP leadership's handling of the political alliance with the Conservatives.
Last week, Lady Hermon said she would not stand under the Conservative and Unionist banner at the next election.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. Mr Brooks, who has been constituency association chairman for two years, was unhappy at how the matter was dealt with by party leader Sir Reg Empey.
He had a meeting last week with Lady Hermon who asked him to stay in the party but he decided his future lay with the DUP.
He is also thought to have had other concerns about party discipline.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.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.""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."