DUP's Gavin Robinson criticises 'conspiracy theories' after Donaldson exit. The new leader has accused people of engaging in 'conspiracy theories' and 'scoring cheap political points' following sex offence charges against Sir Jeffrey Donaldson.
Sir Jeffrey Donaldson charged with 'rape, gross indecency and indecent assault'The DUP was yesterday thrown into chaos as leader Sir Jeffrey Donaldson resigned after being charged with historic sexual offences including 'rape'.
It is further understood that in a letter to party officers, he made clear he would be 'strenuously contesting' all charges against him. The BBC reported that they believed the investigation started in the last few months, after two women came forward with the allegations. 'In accordance with the party rules, the party officers have suspended Mr Donaldson from membership, pending the outcome of a judicial process.
It is understood senior DUP officials met early on Friday morning after the charges against the party leader were announced. New DUP leader Mr Robinson said: 'It has been a devastating revelation and has caused tremendous shock not just for myself personally or my colleagues within the DUP, but for the community right across Northern Ireland.
A view of Jeffrey Donaldson's Lagan Valley DUP constituency office, on the day he resigned as DUP party leader, in Lisburn, Northern Ireland The DUP's interim leader, who was a close ally of Sir Jeffrey, was a key player in negotiating the deal to Stormont returning.Sinn Fein First Minister Michelle O'Neill has warned the Stormont Executive that it must keep delivering for all of Northern Ireland, the BBC reported.
Sir Jeffrey's relationship with former UUP leader David Trimble deteriorated when he led a walkout of the 1998 peace talks after opposing the early release of republican and loyalist prisoners.He was recognised by the late Queen Elizabeth II in her 2016 Birthday Honours and was given a knighthood.Sir Jeffrey Donaldson's resignation as DUP leader comes after an almost 40-year run in politics.
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