Progressive Unionist Party

The Progressive Unionist Party (PUP) is a minor unionist political party in Northern Ireland. It was formed from the Independent Unionist Group operating in the Shankill area of Belfast, becoming the PUP in 1979. Linked to the Ulster Volunteer Force (UVF) and Red Hand Commando (RHC), for a time it described itself as "the only left of centre unionist party" in Northern Ireland, with its main support base in the loyalist working class communities of Belfast.

For the political group founded in 1938, see Ulster Progressive Unionist Association. For the Egyptian political group, see National Progressive Unionist Party.
Not to be confused with Protestant Unionist Party.

Progressive Unionist Party
Páirtí Aontachtach Forásach
AbbreviationPUP
LeaderRussell Watton
PresidentBilly Hutchinson
ChairmanBrian Lacey
FounderHugh Smyth
Founded1979 (1979)
Headquarters182 Shankill Road, Belfast, BT13 2BH
Paramilitary wingUlster Volunteer Force
Red Hand Commando
IdeologyBritish unionism
Ulster loyalism
Democratic socialism
Social democracy
Political positionCentre-left to left-wing
Colours  Blue and   red
Northern Irish seats in the House of Commons
0 / 18
Northern Ireland Assembly
0 / 90
Local government in Northern Ireland
1 / 462
Website
www.pupni.com

Since the Ulster Democratic Party's dissolution in 2001, the PUP has been the sole party in Northern Ireland representing paramilitary loyalism.

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