A councillor who quit the Ulster Unionist Party over its "completely chaotic" plans for May's local government elections has joined the DUP.
Carl McClean resigned from the UUP last week after describing its election candidate selection process in North Down as "absolute madness".
He claimed the party was risking the loss of councillors by running several candidates in areas where it would be "completely impossible" to elect more than one Ulster Unionist.
Read more: UUP defends candidate's attendance at performance of song with UVF lyrics
The councillor had raised concerns about UUP plans to field two candidates in his area of Holywood and Clandeboye after the party selected Linzi McLaren as his running mate.
In a statement issued by the DUP, Mr McClean said: "I have worked closely with DUP colleagues over the years on council and am delighted to have joined the party.
"My desire is to see Northern Ireland's place within the United Kingdom promoted and strengthened.
"The case for the Union is overwhelming and support for the Union remains consistently strong, but we must strive to ensure the broadest possible support is realised.
"It was this desire which has always driven my political activity and the Democratic Unionist Party is the vehicle which can best achieve this."
Sir Jeffrey Donaldson welcomed Mr McClean into the party, describing him as a "positive and articulate unionist representative".
The DUP leader added: "I want to build a stronger and more cohesive unionism, and there is a warm welcome within the party for anyone who wants to build a better Northern Ireland within the United Kingdom.
"We have welcomed many new members, both those who have previously been members of other parties and those taking their first step into political activity.
"The challenges we face currently have placed a renewed focus on the importance of our place within the United Kingdom and I would encourage others to follow the lead of Carl and many others."
It comes a week after a TUV candidate in last year's Stormont Assembly election was appointed as a DUP councillor.
Jordan Doran, who stood for election in May in West Belfast, was co-opted to the city council to replace the DUP's Dale Pankhurst.
The Ballysillan man said he wanted to see "stronger and more cohesive unionism" and the DUP "is the only party which can achieve this".
Mr Doran quit the TUV in October, telling the party he was focusing on university and would be moving to England.
In a resignation email seen by Belfast Live, he described TUV leader Jim Allister as a "political hero of mine" who "speaks on behalf of unionism".
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