Seven are leaving the DUP just days before the NI election

Among those willing to step down were longtime activist George McConnell and six others who asked not to be named.

The DUP said new members were joining the party to replace those who had left and that others who had left in recent years had returned.

It’s the latest twist in a battle within the South Down DUP.

In a choreographed sequence of events, former MLA Jim Wells backed Mr McKee against Ms Forsythe – a move revealed by the Belfast Telegraph last month – then resigned before he could be expelled.

The former health secretary was followed last week by the entire South Down Association officer team, who said the DUP leadership had treated them “with contempt”.

The departure of Mr McConnell and six others means the association is effectively disbanded after they accused central party officials of repeated failure to communicate with it.

Mr McConnell from Kilkeel is known throughout the Mournes area for his support of missionary work and has been a DUP activist for many decades.

Mr Wells said: “The fact that someone of George’s rank has publicly stated that he now supports Harold McKee confirms how strongly longstanding members and supporters are opposed to the introduction of a candidate without their approval.

“The club is now effectively dissolved as so many members have followed the lead given to them by officials.”

Mr McConnell said he was increasingly concerned about the direction the DUP had taken in recent years under the leadership of Arlene Foster, who helped Mr Wells unseat them.

He added: “My support for the DUP ended completely when Diane Forsythe was planted on South Down without any consultation with local members.

“I admire Harold McKee’s public stance on moral issues, including abortion and same-sex marriage, which are so important to me and my family.

“His experience at both the Stormont and local council level makes him an ideal choice for those concerned about the situation we are now facing.”

Mr McKee, who resigned from the Ulster Unionist Party last October over leader Doug Beattie’s more liberal policies, said he was “delighted” by Mr McConnell’s move.

But the DUP hit back, saying Ms Forsythe was leaving a career as an accountant and was “best suited” to winning a seat in the South Down, which only has a full union quota.

“This is reflected in the influx of new members into the South Down Association since its selection, as well as the renewed commitment of many long-standing members to support it,” said a spokesman.

“We thank those who have resigned for their service to the party, but remind them that the TUV cannot stop Sinn Féin’s divisive plans for border elections, as we have seen in recent days. Only the DUP can win.”