Ex-prisoner leaves PUP over UVF link
A FORMER UVF associate of Gusty Spence and David Ervine has left the Progressive Unionist Party over its link with the paramilitary group, the News Letter can reveal.
Despite attempts at damage limitation in the aftermath of former leader Dawn Purvis’s resignation, deputy chairman Tommy Sandford handed in his resignation at a meeting of the party’s executive in Belfast on Monday evening.
He told the News Letter that the party’s continuing links with paramilitaries was a “major factor” in his decision.
Coming in the wake of Ms Purvis’s announcement in June, in response to the UVF killing of Bobby Moffatt on the Shankill Road, the resignation of Mr Sandford will be viewed as a further blow to the already-struggling party’s chances of surviving as a meaningful entity beyond its party conference in October.
Speaking to the News Letter following his decision, the ex-loyalist prisoner said he intended to stand in the next council elections as an independent.
“I took this decision because I feel that I can only take the policies and principles of David Ervine to the people as an independent.
“The party has accepted my resignation with effect from the day after the conference on October 16. Paramilitaries have to have a voice and someone has to speak for them, but I feel I can best serve my local community in the Cregagh area by working separately from the PUP.”
Mr Sandford joined the left-wing unionist party over a decade ago and was the party’s first member to be elected to Castlereagh council.
He is an active community worker in the Cregagh estate and surrounding areas who served time in Long Kesh alongside UVF leader Gusty Spence.
“I put my heart and soul into the PUP and can remember when Gusty Spence first talked about forming a political party way back in the 70s. It’s not easy to walk away but I think it’s for the best.
“I didn’t take this decision lightly and I know people will assume that I’m looking at some kind of a link-up with Dawn Purvis but that’s not what this is about.
“Some people are bound to be angered by my decision, especially because of my background, but it’s my choice and I will stand as an independent and continue to work for the people of the area as best as I can.
“Despite what some people will think, I don’t forget where I come from but I certainly know where I’m going.”
The PUP party conference is due to be held in Belfast on October 16.
Councillor John Kyle, an east Belfast GP who has no past involvement with paramilitaries, has agreed to remain as interim party leader until the conference when all executive positions will be vacated pending a full-party vote.
