Former Ulster Unionist leader Lord David Trimble is to join the Conservative Party in the House of Lords, it emerged tonight.
Lord Trimble, who has been a peer since June last year and was the former Northern Ireland First Minister, is to leave the UUP which he led between 1995 and 2005.
Former colleagues including his successor as Ulster Unionist leader Sir Reg Empey paid tribute to him and wished him well in his new role as a Tory peer.
Sir Reg said Lord Trimble's decision to join the Tories and get involved in national politics should come as no surprise. "David's long-standing interest in Conservative and national politics was no secret," the East Belfast Assembly member said.
"Colleagues and seasoned commentators will not be surprised by David's decision to take the Conservative whip. "Through his vision and commitment, David, along with others, helped to transform politics here in Northern Ireland.
"He now brings these qualities to the national stage and I wish him well in whatever role he takes within national political life.