In a shocking turn of events, Sir Jeffrey Donaldson MP, leader of the Democratic Unionist Party (DUP), has been charged with rape and other historical sexual offences.
In the wake of these serious allegations, he has tendered his resignation as party leader.
A 57-year-old woman has also been implicated in the case, facing charges of aiding and abetting the alleged offences. Both individuals were apprehended on Thursday morning by PSNI detectives, questioned, and subsequently charged that same evening.
Sir Jeffrey has vehemently denied the charges and has stated his intention to contest them rigorously. Both he and the woman are scheduled to appear in court next month.
The DUP released a statement confirming that the party chairman had received a letter from Sir Jeffrey, acknowledging the charges of historical allegations against him and announcing his immediate resignation as party leader.
In line with party regulations, the DUP officers have suspended Sir Jeffrey’s membership pending the outcome of the judicial proceedings. In the interim, Mr Gavin Robinson MP has been unanimously appointed as the party leader.
In his letter to the DUP, Sir Jeffrey reiterated his intent to strenuously contest the charges. The interim leader, Gavin Robinson, described the news as a “devastating revelation.”
He said, “This has sent shockwaves not just through myself personally and my DUP colleagues, but throughout the entire community of Northern Ireland. As a party and as individuals, we believe in justice and have faith in our criminal justice system. In the coming days and months, it is crucial that we refrain from saying or doing anything that could potentially prejudice the ongoing criminal investigation.”
He added that the party only became aware of the allegations late last night. Mr Robinson emphasized that the party’s primary focus is “on the importance of making Northern Ireland work, fostering a positive attitude towards devolution, and ensuring that devolution benefits our people.”
