The TUV candidate for the upcoming Craigavon by-election has challenged Unionists on the council about why they allowed the co-option of an SDLP member last night.

Mr Calvert said:

“The ratepayers of Lurgan are facing an expensive by-election – most likely in inclement weather – just after Christmas. Why? Because Unionists on Craigavon council refused to co-opt a TUV replacement for a member of our party who was standing down.

“Yet last night no one had any problem with the co-option of a Nationalist, in spite of the fact that the area concerned has a strong Unionist majority.

“It is nothing short of shameful that the DUP and UUP – some of whom claimed they were opposed to co-options on principle – accepted the co-option of a Nationalist last night while forcing a by-election when a fellow Unionist attempted to get co-opted a few weeks ago.

“I have no doubt that this will be a issue which will concern many ordinary Unionists when it comes to polling day.

"The best way for people to show their dissatisfaction with this appalling state of affairs will be for them to vote Traditional Unionist Voice".