London Daily

Focus on the big picture.
Friday, Jun 20, 2025

DUP councillor Adrian McQuillan leaves party after suspension

DUP councillor Adrian McQuillan leaves party after suspension

A Democratic Unionist Party (DUP) councillor and former MLA has left the party following disciplinary action.

Adrian McQuillan claimed he was targeted in a "four-year witch hunt" by people including senior elected members of the party.

The Causeway Coast and Glens Borough councillor was suspended by the DUP in September 2022 for 12 months.

A DUP spokesperson said a disciplinary panel found Mr McQuillan's conduct had brought the party into disrepute.

It said he published material online which "directly attacked, smeared and without foundation, called into question a number of DUP colleagues".

Mr McQuillan said the allegations, including claims of bullying and harassment, were false.

He appealed the disciplinary action but was told on Monday that the party was upholding his suspension.

In a statement, the councillor said he was disappointed to announce his resignation.

"It is clear to me that there has been an orchestrated plan to remove me prior to the selection process for the upcoming local government election in May," he said.

He added that his resignation was "driven by elements of the party with personal grudges".

"Sadly the DUP is no longer the party that I joined, and despite me still having many good friends in it, the hierarchy has lost its way and it appears no longer wants to be associated with grassroot unionism or anyone with an opinion which differs from them," he added.


'Deeply regrettable'


Mr McQuillan sat in the Northern Ireland Assembly until 2017, when he lost his seat.

He was previously suspended by the DUP for six months in 2019.

The DUP said Mr McQuillan "was only readmitted to party membership on the basis that he would uphold the rules and constitution of the party and work in a collective manner with his party colleagues".

"It is deeply regrettable that cllr McQuillan, whilst a member of the party, engaged in such behaviour which led to his second period of suspension.

"It was his actions and attitudes alone that directly led to his further suspension from the party."

Mr McQuillan says he will continue in his role as an independent councillor.

Newsletter

Related Articles

0:00
0:00
Close
16 Billion Login Credentials Leaked in Unprecedented Cybersecurity Breach
Senate hearing on who was 'really running' Biden White House kicks off
Iranian Military Officers Reportedly Seek Contact with Reza Pahlavi, Signal Intent to Defect
FBI and Senate Investigate Allegations of Chinese Plot to Influence the 2020 Election in Biden’s Favor Using Fake U.S. Driver’s Licenses
Vietnam Emerges as Luxury Yacht Destination for Ultra‑Rich
Plans to Sell Dutch Embassy in Bangkok Face Local Opposition
China's Iranian Oil Imports Face Disruption Amid Escalating Middle East Tensions
Trump's $5 Million 'Trump Card' Visa Program Draws Nearly 70,000 Applicants
DGCA Finds No Major Safety Concerns in Air India's Boeing 787 Fleet
Airlines Reroute Flights Amid Expanding Middle East Conflict Zones
Elon Musk's xAI Seeks $9.3 Billion in Funding Amid AI Expansion
Trump Demands Iran's Unconditional Surrender Amid Escalating Conflict
Israeli Airstrike Targets Iranian State TV in Central Tehran
President Trump is leaving the G7 summit early and has ordered the National Security Council to the Situation Room
Taiwan Imposes Export Ban on Chips to Huawei and SMIC
Israel has just announced plans to strike Tehran again, and in response, Trump has urged people to evacuate
Netanyahu Signals Potential Regime Change in Iran
Juncker Criticizes EU Inaction on Trump Tariffs
EU Proposes Ban on New Russian Gas Contracts
Analysts Warn Iran May Resort to Unconventional Warfare
Iranian Regime Faces Existential Threat Amid Conflict
Energy Infrastructure Becomes War Zone in Middle East
UK Home Secretary Apologizes Over Child Grooming Failures
Trump Organization Launches 5G Mobile Network and Golden Handset
Towcester Hosts 2025 English Greyhound Derby Amid Industry Scrutiny
Gary Oldman and David Beckham Knighted in King's Birthday Honours
Over 30,000 Lightning Strikes Recorded Across UK During Overnight Storms
Princess of Wales Returns to Public Duties at Trooping the Colour
Red Arrows Use Sustainable Fuel in Historic Trooping the Colour Flypast
Former Welsh First Minister Addresses Unionist Concerns Over Irish Language
Iran Signals Openness to Nuclear Negotiations Amid Ongoing Regional Tensions
France Bars Israeli Arms Companies from Paris Defense Expo
King Charles Leads Tribute to Air India Crash Victims at Trooping the Colour
Jack Pitchford Embarks on 200-Mile Walk to Support Stem Cell Charity
Surrey Hikers Take on Challenge of Climbing 11 Peaks in a Single Day
UK Deploys RAF Jets to Middle East Amid Israel-Iran Tensions
Two Skydivers Die in 'Tragic Accident' at Devon Airfield
Sainsbury's and Morrisons Accused of Displaying Prohibited Tobacco Ads
UK Launches National Inquiry into Grooming Gangs
Families Seek Closure After Air India Crash
Gold Emerges as Global Safe Haven Amid Uncertainty
Trump Reports $57 Million Earnings from Crypto Venture
Trump's Military Parade Sparks Concerns Over Authoritarianism
Nationwide 'No Kings' Protests Challenge Trump's Leadership
UK Deploys Jets to Middle East Amid Rising Tensions
Trump's Anti-War Stance Tested Amid Israel-Iran Conflict
Germany Holds First Veterans Celebration Since WWII
U.S. Health Secretary Dismisses CDC Vaccine Advisory Committee
Minnesota Lawmaker Melissa Hortman and Husband Killed in Targeted Attack; Senator John Hoffman and Wife Injured
Exiled Iranian Prince Reza Pahlavi Urges Overthrow of Khamenei Regime
×