General Election 2024: Carla Lockhart remains defiant against online trolls ahead of Upper Bann poll

The DUP representative has been the target of online trolls for many years, experiencing some of the most personal and offensive online abuse directed at any of Northern Ireland’s elected representatives.

She has called out the abuse she has received from online trolls during the current election campaign and reaffirmed her “unwavering commitment” to representing the people of Upper Bann.

Despite the negative and harmful comments, she said she remains steadfast in her dedication to serving the public as she has done over the years in various public service roles.

"It is deeply disappointing to be the target of such unwarranted abuse,” said Carla Lockhart. “However, I want to make it unequivocally clear that these attacks will not deter me from continuing to serve the people of Upper Bann with the same passion and determination that I have demonstrated throughout the past 17 years.”

"I will not be silenced by those who seek to intimidate and harass me, my family or my colleagues,” she said. “My focus remains on representing the people of Upper Bann to the best of my ability, addressing their concerns, and continuing to deliver success. I am deeply grateful for the support and encouragement I have received from the community, which strengthens my resolve to continue this important work."

Carla Lockhart described it as “a profound honour” to be selected once again as a candidate for Upper Bann.

"Over the past five years, I have dedicated myself to serving our community with unwavering commitment and determination. I am deeply grateful for the support and trust placed in me by the constituents, and I look forward to the opportunity to continue this important work.

"I am delighted that a General Election has been called. This election provides the people of Upper Bann with the opportunity to have their voices heard and to make a choice about the direction of our community and our country. It has been a privilege to serve as your Member of Parliament over the past five years, in addition to my time serving the people of Upper Bann at Stormont for three years. I am looking forward to meeting with voters over the coming weeks to discuss the issues that matter most to them."

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Following the recent Northern Ireland Boundary Commission report, several areas will change to other constituencies namely, Dollingstown, Magheralin, Aghagallon, Scarva and Loughbrickland with Loughgall transferring into Upper Bann.

The DUP candidate extended a warm welcome to these new constituents, emphasising her readiness to serve their needs and represent their communities as they join the Upper Bann constituency.

“I warmly welcome the new areas of Loughgall and part of Mullahead Road joining Upper Bann," she said. "I am eager to meet and work with the new constituents, understanding their views and ensuring they receive dedicated representation and support. I will very much miss representing the people in the areas that are departing Upper Bann. I never take any vote for granted, and it has always been an honour for me to serve the people of Upper Bann. I offer all of those who will be moved to another area my very best wishes.”