Sir Geoffrey Donaldson resigned as leader of the Democratic Unionist Party immediately after being accused of historic sex crimes.
The DUP said in a statement: “The party chairman has received a letter from Sir Geoffrey Donaldson MP confirming that he has been charged with historic charges and stating that he will resign as leader of the DUP with immediate effect. ..
“In accordance with party regulations, party members and cadres have been suspended Mr. Donaldson Withdraw membership pending the outcome of judicial proceedings.
“Party officials this morning unanimously appointed Councilor Gavin Robinson as interim party leader.”
Donaldson has led the party since 2021 but has been a Lagan Valley MP since 1997.
Before joining the DUP, he was part of the Ulster Unionist Party delegation that negotiated the Good Friday Peace Agreement.
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Earlier, the Police Service of Northern Ireland said a man had been charged with non-recent sexual offences.
A PSNI spokesman said: “Detectives from the Police Service of Northern Ireland have arrested a 61-year-old man and charged him with non-recent sexual offences.
“A 57-year-old woman was also arrested and charged at that time with aiding and abetting other offences.”
The pair are due to appear at Newry Magistrates’ Court on April 24.
A decades-long career ends tragically
The DUP has weathered many storms, but this was a political earthquake for the party.
Sir Geoffrey Donaldson’s departure will have repercussions both in the short and long term.
It would shake up the newly formed power-sharing government, in which the Democratic Unionist Party makes up half.
And retaining Westminster seats in the upcoming general election will be a big mountain for the party to climb.
The DUP is known for its conservative views on social issues such as same-sex marriage.
Any inappropriate behavior, let alone alleged offense, is susceptible to accusations of hypocrisy.
In 2010, DUP leader Peter Robinson briefly resigned as First Minister after his wife admitted an extramarital affair.
Sir Geoffrey Donaldson not only resigned but also had his party membership suspended pending the outcome of judicial proceedings.
It was an ominous end to the political career of Northern Ireland’s longest-serving MP.
Donaldson is nationally known for his role in the confidence and supply agreement, which was backed by the Democratic Unionist Party and bolstered Theresa May’s government after the 2017 election.
But the DUP ultimately voted against May’s deal, ultimately bringing down her government.
He became leader of the Westminster party in 2019 and took full power in 2021.
Northern Ireland Sinn Féin First Minister Michelle O’Neill said: “My priority is to continue to deliver the leadership the public expects and deserves and to ensure the four-party executive coalition delivers for our whole community now and in the future.
“The leader of the Democratic Unionist Party has resigned after being accused of serious crimes.
“This is now a problem with the criminal justice system.”
Mr Robinson temporarily took over the party and became DUP deputy leader in June 2023.
Gavin Robinson MP Picture: PA
He joined the House of Commons in 2015 and previously served as mayor of Belfast and as a councilor there.
Conservative MP Julian Smith, a former Northern Ireland secretary, said Mr Robinson’s choice was a “very positive decision”.
He added that Mr Robinson “played a key role in the difficult negotiations to restore power-sharing and will work with other DUP colleagues to chart a positive course for the future”.
It is understood Donaldson remains an MP.
A House of Commons spokesman said: “We are aware of police announcements but do not comment on individual cases.”
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