Noon update: Here's a shot of Cllr Nelson being welcomed into the Conservative fold by shadow Northern Ireland secretary Owen Paterson and Jim Nicholson, who is seeking re-election to the European Parliament under the Conservatives and Unionists banner.
DUP Councillor Deirdre Nelson, who was elected to Ballymena Borough Council in 2005, has joined the Conservatives.
Cllr Nelson says:
“As of today, I have resigned from the Democratic Unionist Party. I have been unhappy with the direction the Party has taken since the loss of Dr Paisley as leader.
"I have watched, with interest, the recent moves by the Conservative Party to begin to steer Northern Ireland away from sectarian politics into normal UK politics and to ensure that Northern Ireland fulfils her role as an integral and necessary part of the United Kingdom, in which all traditions are welcomed.
"This coupled with the recent visit by David Cameron, has persuaded me that I wish to be an active and valued member of the Conservatives. And therefore I am announcing that with effect from today I will sit as a Conservative councillor on Ballymena Council.
I will of course, continue to serve my constituents to the best of my ability and in time I trust that they will see the wisdom of my decision.”
“I am delighted to give my full support to Jim Nicholson MEP as our Conservatives and Unionists candidate this Thursday. Jim’s experience will be vital in the next European Parliament and, as part of one of the biggest national delegations, he will ensure that Northern Ireland’s voice is heard
as never before.”
Shadow Secretary of State for Northern Ireland Owen Paterson MP says:
“I am delighted at the news that Deirdre has decided to join the Conservatives. Deirdre has worked incredibly hard for her constituents over the past four years and we are pleased to welcome her to our Party. This news shows that the mood for change is strong right across the United Kingdom. “
Eric Pickles MP, Chairman of the Conservative Party says:
“I am delighted to have such a sensible person join the Conservatives. It is clear that the future of Northern Ireland is more secure with a centre right party that seeks to represent the whole of the UK at every level.”
Tim Lewis, Chairman of the Conservatives in Northern Ireland says:
“The news of Deirdre’s defection so close to Thursday’s elections will come as a body blow to the DUP. Coupled with the defection of Harry Greenaway to the UUP, today’s news embodies the great strides we, as Conservatives and Unionists, have made over the last few months. “
