Published Thursday, 25 February 2010
Speculation is mounting that Lady Hermon may stand as an independent, after the UUP formally confirmed her refusal to endorse their new political venture earlier this week.
The Tories and Ulster Unionists are fielding joint candidates in Northern Ireland's 18 constituencies for the first time.
But Lady Hermon has refused to take the Tory Whip at Westminster.
"I can't pretend this has been an easy decision on my part", she said on Thursday.
"On the contrary, it has caused me considerable sadness, especially as I had hoped some amicable resolution could have been found.
"However, that did not happen, and current arrangements dictated that my decision had to be made before 5pm on Tuesday past.
"The simple truth is that I am unable to stand under that banner and, as I have said consistently."
Lady Hermon said she intended to fulfil her current mandate as an Ulster Unionist "until the day and hour a General Election is called and this Parliament dissolved."
The UUP MP added: "Over the next few days, I want to talk to constituents, friends and family before coming to a final decision."
On Wednesday night, the UUP and the Conservatives decided on nine joint candidates to fight the forthcoming general election.
They agreed to nominate Daphne Trimble, wife of former UUP leader David Trimble, to run as a Conservative and Unionist for the highly-contested Lagan Valley.
Trevor Ringland will fight east Belfast and former UTV presenter Mike Nesbitt will contest Strangford.
The rest of the candidates are: Bill Manwaring, West Belfast; Harry Hamilton, Lord Trimble's old seat of Upper Bann; deputy leader Danny Kennedy, Newry and Armagh; John McCallister, South Down; Sandra Overend, Mid Ulster; Ross Hussey, West Tyrone.