NI Tory party Chairman quits over "back-biting and personal attacks"

By PA news

The Chairman of the Northern Ireland Conservatives, Alan Dunlop, has quit the party.

He confirmed he resigned his position and his party membership over what he says is ‘wholesale negativity, back-biting and personal attacks.’

In his resignation letter, Mr Dunlop points to how he was a keen supporter of a Multi Constituency Association (MCA) which would ‘do away with outdated arrangements more suited to a fusty club than a serious political party.’

Mr Dunlop continues: “This will cause upset in some quarters which, to some extent, has led to indirect criticism of my style and approach to modernisation. Vested interests in some quarters oppose what’s proposed but these same individuals have no alternatives to offer.

“I have borne the brunt of wholesale negativity, back-biting, in-fighting and personal attacks from people who seldom come out from the shadows to directly state their case or level their criticism of me face-to-face.”

Mr Dunlop says he is proud of what he has achieved for Conservatism over his years of leading and guiding the party in Northern Ireland.

Members are currently being balloted on the creation of an MCA. He adds: I personally advocated root-and-branch reform of the local party, firm in the belief that managed change was necessary if we were to make the electoral breakthrough.

“I leave with Northern Ireland Conservative in much better shape than a number of years ago. My decision is taken with a heavy heart. I wish the party well for the future. I have contributed time, energy and, yes, considerable financial resources, to reenergise Conservatism in Northern Ireland, but I have to say I have nothing else to offer and wish to pursue other interests in the business world.”

(Prime Minsiter Boris Johnston and Secretary of State Brandon Lewis)