Sir Jeffrey Donaldson has this afternoon quit as leader of the Democratic Unionist Party after he was charged over historical sexual allegations. A 57-year-old woman has also been charged with aiding and abetting in connection with the alleged offences. Both were arrested on Thursday morning by PSNI detectives and were questioned before being charged on Thursday night. They are now due to appear in court next month.

In a statement, the DUP says that: ‘The party chairman has received a letter from Sir Jeffrey Donaldson MP confirming that he has been charged with allegations of a historical nature and indicating that he is stepping down as Leader of the Democratic Unionist Party with immediate effect.’

The statement goes on to say that: ‘In accordance with the Party Rules, the Party Officers have suspended Mr Donaldson from membership, pending the outcome of a judicial process.’

Following this suspension, party officers unanimously appointed Gavin Robinson MP as interim leader. It comes after an emergency party meeting was called at short notice this morning. Sir Jeffrey was elected leader of the DUP in June 2021 and is Northern Ireland’s longest-serving sitting MP, having been elected to represent Lagan Valley in 1997.

Today’s news has stunned figures in both Westminster and Belfast. Donaldson was central to the talks with Downing Street that saw the restoration of the Stormont executive and assembly last month. His resignation throws the DUP into yet another crisis in a crucial election year.

QOSHE - Northern Ireland / DUP leader Sir Jeffrey Donaldson resigns after sex offence charges - James Heale
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Northern Ireland / DUP leader Sir Jeffrey Donaldson resigns after sex offence charges

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29.03.2024

Sir Jeffrey Donaldson has this afternoon quit as leader of the Democratic Unionist Party after he was charged over historical sexual allegations. A 57-year-old woman has also been charged with aiding and abetting in connection with the alleged offences. Both were arrested on Thursday morning by PSNI detectives and were questioned before being charged on Thursday night. They are now due........

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