Former DUP leader Sir Jeffrey Donaldson is facing legal proceedings after being charged with historical sexual offences. The Lagan Valley MP stepped down from his role in March 2024 following the allegations.

Donaldson, who had served as an MP since 1997, became party leader in 2021. He has denied the charges and the matter is before the courts.

The charges prompted his immediate resignation, throwing the DUP into a leadership crisis. The party nominated an interim leader and began the process of selecting a permanent replacement.

The DUP stated it had been unaware of the alleged offences and that the party upholds high standards for its representatives.

The case has drawn attention to the processes political parties use to handle serious allegations against senior members.

No further details of the charges have been publicly released, and a date for the next court hearing has yet to be set. Legal proceedings are expected to continue in the coming months.