Jeffrey Donaldson steps down as leader of the DUP following "allegations of an historical nature"

Opinion
29 Mar 24

Jeffrey Donaldson - official parliamentary photograph taken by Chris McAndrew

"In accordance with the Party Rules, the Party Officers have suspended Mr Donaldson from membership, pending the outcome of a judicial process," a statement from the DUP reads.

After sparking serious speculation online after deleting his social media platforms, Jeffrey Donaldson has stepped down as leader of the Democratic Unionist Party (DUP) – after being charged with "allegations of an historical nature".

The DUP confirmed the news this afternoon, by sharing a statement to their website.

"The Party Chairman has received a letter from Sir Jeffrey Donaldson MP confirming that he has been charged with allegations of an historical nature and indicating that he is stepping down as Leader of the Democratic Unionist Party with immediate effect," the statement reads.

"In accordance with the Party Rules, the Party Officers have suspended Mr Donaldson from membership, pending the outcome of a judicial process.

"The Party Officers have this morning unanimously appointed Mr Gavin Robinson MP as the Interim Party Leader."