Carrick Castle councillor David Clarke has joined Traditional Unionist Voice (TUV), it has been revealed today by the Belfast Telegraph.
Clarke was co-opted to the seat on Mid and East Antrim Borough Council in October 2023 by the Democratic Unionist Party (DUP), but quit the party just four months later, after being hospitalised with a heart condition, after ‘internal party spats’.
He has remained on the council as an independent since leaving the DUP, but today has joined Jim Allister‘s TUV.
Speaking to the Belfast Telegraph, Clarke said he was “proud to stand with Jim Allister – a man of integrity who puts principles before power.”
“I warmly welcome David to TUV, and look forward to him making a positive contribution to the party in the days ahead.
“He joins an already strong team on Mid and East Antrim, and I believe his decision reflects growing dissatisfaction with the DUP position on the Protocol and their approach to politics generally.”
– Jim Allister MLA, TUV leader
The TUV party conference will be held tomorrow, with their new councillor David Clarke said to be addressing it. Also attending will be Richard Tice, leader of Reform UK.
Pic: Belfast Telegraph / Peter Morrison
Source: Belfast Telegraph
