Jeffrey Donaldson Relinquishes Knighthood and Privy Council Seat After Serious Charges

Former Democratic Unionist Party (DUP) leader Jeffrey Donaldson has formally relinquished his knighthood and his seat on the Privy Council. His solicitor, John McBurney, confirmed these resignations in a statement, following Donaldson's recent appearance in court to face charges of historical sexual offences, including rape.

Donaldson, aged 61, was arrested and charged last month. The specific charges include one count of rape, one count of gross indecency with a child, and ten counts of indecent assault. A 57-year-old woman, also charged in connection with the investigation, faces counts of aiding and abetting and indecent assault.

The allegations span a period from 1985 to 2006. Donaldson resigned as DUP leader and was suspended from the party shortly after the charges were made public. He has also been suspended as a Member of Parliament for Lagan Valley.

Donaldson was knighted in 2016 for political service, receiving the honour from the late Queen Elizabeth II. His appointment to the Privy Council, an advisory body to the sovereign, occurred in 2007. Membership of the Privy Council is for life, unless voluntarily resigned or removed by the sovereign.