The leader of the Democratic Unionist Party (DUP), Northern Ireland’s main pro-union party, has announced his resignation after being charged with historical allegations. Jeffrey Donaldson, 61, confirmed his resignation in a letter to the party, citing the charges and stepping down as leader with immediate effect. The party has suspended Donaldson from membership pending the outcome of the judicial process.
Police in Northern Ireland issued a statement confirming that a 61-year-old man had been charged with non-recent sexual offenses, without naming the individual. Reports indicate that the charges relate to Donaldson, who is expected to appear before Newry Magistrates Court on April 24 along with a 57-year-old woman charged with aiding and abetting additional offenses.
