Donaldson stays in UUP but resigns whip

Hardline Ulster Unionist MP Jeffrey Donaldson announced today he was remaining in the party but resigning the whip in Westminister with immediate effect.

In a clear challenge to the leadership policies of David Trimble, he was joined in resigning the whip by party president and South Belfast MP the Rev Martin Smyth and South Antrim MP David Burnside.