Alliance councillor Carole Howard defects to UUP

Carole Howard pictured with Doug Beattie, leader of the Ulster Unionist Party

An east Belfast councillor has defected from the Alliance Party to the Ulster Unionists.

Carole Howard represents the Titanic electoral area on Belfast City Council.

Ms Howard said she felt she could now "openly and comfortably" express her pro-union views, adding she was "looking forward" to working with her new colleagues.

Alliance said it was "disappointed" Ms Howard had not engaged with the party around her concerns.

"This is the right move at the right time for me," said Ms Howard.

"I have pro-union views and feel I can now openly and comfortably express them to help promote a confident, progressive brand of unionism."

'True union'

Ms Howard said she liked what UUP leader Doug Beattie was doing with the party and that she wanted to play her part in "helping make Northern Ireland a more welcoming society for everyone".

"I will use my past experience in local politics, working on the ground and my professional background to help build a true union of people in Belfast and beyond," she said.

The councillor added she would "continue to serve" the people of east Belfast and encouraged constituents to contact her with any issues.

Naomi Long and Stephen Farry are leader and deputy leader of the Alliance Party

The Alliance Party said the move was "an act of bad faith for the constituents of the Titanic area, who elected an Alliance representative".

"It is up to her to explain why she has gone against those wishes and defected to another party," said the party.

"The Alliance group on Belfast City Council remains strong and all our councillors remain committed to delivering Alliance policies for the good of everyone in the city."

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Doug Beattie said he was "absolutely delighted" Ms Howard had decided to join his party.

"Carole is exactly the type of elected representative we want to attract, encourage and promote," said the Upper Bann assembly member.

"She has a long-established track record of dedicated public service and I am glad that she wishes to continue that public service with the Ulster Unionist Party."

Mr Beattie said Ms Howard's "enthusiasm and experience" would help drive change.

The UUP leader at Belfast City Council said she was really looking forward to working with Ms Howard.

"There are exciting times ahead and it`s very positive that Carole has come on board," said Alderman Sonia Copeland.

Ms Howard has been a councillor for about a decade, first elected in 2011 to the former Castlereagh Borough Council.

The defection increases the UUP's representation to three councillors in Belfast, while Alliance now have nine councillors there.