Rebel unionist Jeffrey Donaldson has resigned from the Ulster Unionists after a long-running row over the party's direction.

The Lagan Valley MP was joined by Arlene Foster and Norah Beare - both members of the suspended Northern Ireland assembly.

Donaldson has been a consistent critic of the UUP's support for the Good Friday Agreement and power sharing with Sinn Fein.

He has repeatedly clashed with party leader David Trimble.

The three are now expected to join the Rev Ian Paisley's Democratic Unionists after claiming that the Ulster Unionist Party had "abandoned its principles" under Trimble's leadership.

"We have made the decision that we are resigning from the Ulster Unionist Party and will be considering our options," Donaldson said.

"I have come to the conclusion that it is not the party I joined and it has abandoned the principles I believe in."

He confirmed the Democratic Unionists had made an invitation.

"I have been offered a position on the DUP's negotiating team to participate in the negotiations taking place in January and will be taking a decision after the holidays," Donaldson said.