Sir Jeffrey Donaldson, the leader of the Democratic Unionist Party (DUP), has been charged with rape and other historical sexual offenses. He has resigned from his leadership position in the party, following his arrest and questioning by PSNI detectives. A 57-year-old woman has also been charged with aiding and abetting in connection with the alleged offenses.
Sir Jeffrey has stated that he will vigorously contest the charges, and both he and the woman are scheduled to appear in court next month. The DUP has suspended Sir Jeffrey from the party pending the outcome of the judicial process, and interim party leader Mr Gavin Robinson has been appointed.
The police investigation into Sir Jeffrey began after two women came forward with allegations. His sudden fall from power has left the DUP in disarray, with Gavin Robinson now tasked with stabilizing the party. Sinn Fein First Minister Michelle O’Neill has urged the Executive to continue delivering for the whole community amidst the turmoil.
Sir Jeffrey, the longest serving MP in Northern Ireland, was instrumental in leading the DUP back into government in 2021 following a two-year boycott due to disagreements over the Northern Ireland Protocol. His career, which began in the Ulster Unionist Party before joining the DUP, has ended abruptly with these serious allegations.
The political landscape in Northern Ireland has been shaken by this scandal, with implications for both the DUP and the Stormont government. As the legal process unfolds, the future of Sir Jeffrey Donaldson and the DUP remains uncertain.