Campaign calls for an apology for Jenny

Last week Mrs Palmer and her husband John resigned from the party after she was threatened with disciplinary action for “bringing the party into disrupt.”

Mrs Palmer said she had been coerced by Stephen Brimstone, Special Advisor to then Social Development Minister Nelson McCausland, to change her vote during a meeting of the Housing Board four years ago.

After refusing to “put party above people”, Mrs Palmer spoke out on BBC Spotlight two years ago, which sparked an investigation at Stormont.

Following the investigation, and a lack of a promised apology from the DUP, Mrs Palmer and her family took the decision to resign from the Party.

Now local people are putting pressure on the DUP to issue an apology to the Lisburn Councillor.

Hundreds have joined the ‘Jenny Palmer Still Deserves An Apology’ group on Facebook.

They also staged a silent protest at a meeting of Lisburn and Castlereagh City Council this week, with supporters sitting in the public gallery during the monthly meeting on Tuesday night,

The group was set up by Lisburn man Trevor Kirkwood, who is also campaigning on social media to have John Lewis brought to Sprucefield.

Many people have taken to Facebook to share their views on the issue, with some saying they will no longer vote for the DUP following their treatment of Mrs Palmer.

Lorraine Spratt said: “Absolute disgrace the way Jenny Palmer has been treated by the DUP bully boys. You deserve better Jenny.”

Walter Matthews commented: “Stand as an independent unionist and you will give any DUP members a run for their money. Good luck Jenny, I hope you have a bright future.”

Carol Diett added: “Not getting my vote again either in Stormont or Council elections.”

Iris Baxter commented: “Upwards and onwards” and John Stewart added: “The truth will always win.”

Meanwhile Lagan Valley NI21 MLA Basil McCrea has also spoken out in support of Mrs Palmer, urging people to join the Facebook group.

“I speak now because there are far too few peolple of her calibre in politics,” said Mr McCrea.

“We need more of them and those that are there need our support. Please ‘Like’ Jenny’s page and post a message of support. Go Jenny!”