DUP leader Sir Jeffrey Donaldson resigns after being charged with historic offences

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The leader of the Democratic Unionist Party has resigned after being charged with historic offences.

The DUP confirmed Sir Jeffrey Donaldson is stepping down and is the suspect on the centre of a scandal after police revealed a person had been charged on Friday.

A 57-year-old lady was arrested and charged alongside the politician for aiding and abetting extra offences. They are each on account of seem in court docket later this month.

In an announcement on Good Friday, the celebration mentioned: “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.”

It comes after the DUP leader’s social media accounts have been taken down with out warning this morning.

A police spokesman informed The Independent: “Detectives from the Police Service of Northern Ireland arrested and charged a 61-year-old man for non-recent sexual offences.

“A 57-year-old woman was also arrested and charged at the time for aiding and abetting additional offences.

“Both are due to appear before Newry Magistrates Court on 24 April.

“As is usual procedure, all charges will be reviewed by the Public Prosecution Service.”

The incident comes after a person was faraway from a aircraft at London Heathrow airport final week after he was concerned in a row with Sir Jeffrey.

Police confirmed the passenger was faraway from the flight on Wednesday night following a “verbal altercation” with the Northern Ireland politician.

The DUP declined to touch upon the incident however a celebration supply confirmed a person had been verbally abusive, based on experiences.

Sir Jeffrey, 61, was elected because the consultant for Lagan Valley in 1997 and this 12 months turned Northern Ireland’s longest serving MP.

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