Sir Jeffrey Donaldson is resigning as leader of the Democratic Unionist Party “right away” after the DUP revealed he had been accused of historical offenses. Issue date: Friday March 29, 2024. 75736775 (Press Association via AP Images)
The Democratic Unionist Party (DUP) MP Sir Jeffrey Donaldson will step down as leader and was suspended from the party Friday having been “charged with allegations of an historical nature.”
In a statement issued following an emergency meeting, the party said that Donaldson will be replaced by MP Gavin Robinson, who will serve as the party’s interim leader.
The statement, posted to the party website, reads: “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.
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.”
The move followed a morning of speculation sparked after Donaldson abruptly deleted his entire social media presence and website, cancelling appointments set for Friday morning.
