Thank-you Lisburn - Jenny Palmer

Giving her only newspaper interview of the week to the Ulster Star, Mrs Palmer said she was delighted with the support she had received from constituents in Lisburn.

Lagan Valley MP Jeffrey Donaldson has also spoken in support of Mrs Palmer, saying her resignation was “a sad day for the DUP.”

The Palmer family resigned from the party following the release of a report from the Department of Social Development into accusations made by Mrs Palmer into the actions of Special Advisor to the Minister, Stephen Brimstone.

Mrs Palmer claims she was “bullied” into changing her vote on a Housing Board meeting. The party refused to apologise publicly over the matter and Mrs Palmer said she had to face her conscience and speak out the truth.

She has spoken out against the leadership of the party, including Peter Robinson, who she called a “disgrace” over his handling of the situation.

However, she said the support from people in Lisburn has got her through the last four years of “hell.”