Carla Lockhart said:

“I am delighted for Paul and Ian, who have increased the DUP vote in Banbridge from 2795 in 2019 to 3043 in this election.

For weeks now there has been a concerted, overtly political campaign to turn people away from the DUP by the Secretary of State and Northern Ireland Office. It is clear that people have seen through this tactic, and to see more people turn out to support the party is a tremendous endorsement of two hard working Councillors and the DUP position in relation to the Protocol.

Right across Banbridge DEA we can see that Paul and Ian have delivered, and looking to the future I know that working as part of a strong DUP team here in Banbridge we will see ongoing delivery for the people of this area.

It is deeply regrettable that we have seen a seat lost for Unionism in the area, with SF gaining a seat from the UUP, it must be a wakeup call for Unionists in this area, and right across Northern Ireland, that when you decide not to vote, or split the vote, then Unionist seats are lost and our opponents gain. We must address this disconnect with unionists who see no need to vote, and aim to win this seat back in four years. We can do so by Unionism working together.

The DUP will continue to work for the people of Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon Council. Across the area we have increased our seats by 2, and we will repay that trust by being a strong voice for unionism in the Council Chamber, and by providing effective work on the ground in communities.”