DUP commissioning review following Jeffrey Donaldson conviction

The Democratic Unionist Party (DUP) has said it is commissioning an independent review into a "number of issues arising following the conviction of Jeffrey Donaldson".

Its former leader was this week convicted of 18 counts of sex abuse, including one count of rape, which he committed against two women when they were children.

A BBC News NI investigation has since revealed that two senior DUP members were made aware of different allegations against Donaldson five years ago, when a young woman said she had been "exploited" by him.

The DUP said it acted swiftly when he was first charged in 2024 and that its current leadership are 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."

They added further details about the independent review "will be announced shortly".