File photo of Donaldson.
JEFFERY DONALDSON HAS stepped down as leader of the Democratic Unionist Party (DUP).
Donaldson, who has sat as an MP in the House of Commons for Lagan Valley since 1997, took over from Edwin Poots as party leader in 2021.
The DUP has said appointed Gavin Robinson MP as the Interim Party Leader.
In a statement the Party said: “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.”
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