East Belfast MP Gavin Robinson appointed interim party chief in move unanimously backed by ruling officers
Jeffrey Donaldson left Northern Ireland in the morning and travelled to London where he has an apartment, according to sources. Photograph: PA
The officers suspended the 61-year-old Lagan Valley MP “in accordance with the party rules … pending the outcome of a judicial process”.Jeffrey Donaldson resigns as DUP leader after being charged with sex offencesJeffrey Donaldson, at the heart of Northern Irish politics for nearly 40 years Mr Donaldson has led the DUP since 2021 and is the longest-serving MP from the North, having first been elected to the Westminster parliament in 1997.
Mr Donaldson led intensive pre-Christmas talks with Northern Secretary Chris Heaton-Harris at Hillsborough Castle and on January 30th announced his party had endorsed a deal to restore the powersharing institutions. Representing the more moderate wing of the party, his departure could have a significant impact on the stability of those institutions.
Mr Robinson described the allegations of sexual offences facing Mr Donaldson as “devastating” for the party. Jon Tonge, Professor of British and Irish politics at the University of Liverpool, said it was an extraordinary development given Mr Donaldson’s status as the “unbridled leader of unionism”.
Ireland Latest News, Ireland Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Man removed from plane after ‘verbal altercation’ with DUP leader Jeffrey DonaldsonDUP source says man was verbally abusive towards Jeffrey Donaldson
Read more »
Man removed from plane after 'verbal altercation' with DUP's Jeffrey DonaldsonThe DUP has declined to comment on the incident but a party source has confirmed Donaldson was the other passenger involved
Read more »
DUP leader Jeffrey Donaldson steps down after allegationsDUP leader Jeffrey Donaldson has stepped down with immediate effect after being charged with 'allegations of an historical nature'.
Read more »
DUP’s Jeffrey Donaldson charged with historical sexual offencesJeffrey Donaldson has been charged with historical sexual offences and has quit as leader of the Democratic Unionist Party (DUP).
Read more »
Jeffrey Donaldson steps down as DUP leader after allegationsIn a statement, the DUP said: 'In accordance with the party rules, the party officers have suspended Mr Donaldson from membership, pending the outcome of a judicial process.'
Read more »
Jeffrey Donaldson resigns as DUP leader over sexual chargesJeffrey Donaldson has resigned as leader of the Democratic Unionist Party (DUP) after being charged with sexual offences.
Read more »