DUP to Commission Review After Former Leader's Conviction

The Democratic Unionist Party said it is commissioning an independent review into issues arising after the conviction of its former leader. The former leader was convicted this week of 18 counts of sex abuse, including one count of rape, against two women when they were children.

A BBC News NI investigation reported that two senior party members were made aware of separate allegations five years ago, when a young woman said she had been exploited by him.

The party stated it acted swiftly when charges were filed in 2024 and that its current leadership is deeply concerned by allegations that have surfaced in recent days. "As a party we believe in the rule of law and that criminal proceedings must take their full course. Justice has been served with the guilty verdicts against him," a spokesperson said.

"The party leader Gavin Robinson, deputy leader Michelle McIlveen and party chairman are deeply concerned by allegations that have surfaced in recent days relating to inappropriate behaviour on behalf of Jeffrey Donaldson, and the indication that some may have had knowledge of inappropriate behaviour but which was never reported to the party officers," the statement continued.

Further details about the independent review will be announced shortly, the party added.