Ex-DUP leader Jeffrey Donaldson faces new rape allegation at Westminster

Met Police opens investigation into 2016 incident

By LineZotpaper

Published21 October 2026

Read Time2 min

Jailed former Democratic Unionist Party leader Jeffrey Donaldson, who was last week sentenced to 15 years for sexually assaulting two girls, now faces a new allegation that he raped a woman inside the DUP's Westminster offices in 2016. London's Metropolitan Police has opened an investigation after receiving an evidence file from Northern Ireland detectives.

The Metropolitan Police said Wednesday it had received an evidence file from the Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) after detectives interviewed a woman on October 13. The force stated the case as "an allegation of rape" and identified the suspect only as "a man now aged 63," consistent with English legal practice where suspects are not named unless charged.

"The allegation relates to one victim who is being supported by specialist officers," the police said. "The investigation is in its early stages. No arrests have been made and enquiries are ongoing."

The 2016 allegations first surfaced in July when the Belfast Telegraph reported an interview with a woman who claimed Mr Donaldson had plied her with vodka shots inside the DUP's parliamentary offices in London, tried to kiss her and put his hand up her skirt. She said he had given her a tour of the Houses of Parliament, introduced her to senior MPs and lords, and taken her to dinner inside the MPs' dining room before the alleged assault.

Mr Donaldson, who is appealing his conviction on 18 counts including one rape charge, is serving his sentence in an isolated wing for sex offenders at Northern Ireland's Maghaberry Prison. He is tentatively scheduled for release by 2033 after serving half his term.

Analysis

Why This Matters

This allegation comes days after Donaldson's conviction and sentencing, compounding a scandal that has already shaken Northern Irish politics.
The investigation involves UK-wide police cooperation (PSNI and Met) and focuses on an incident inside the Houses of Parliament, raising questions about safety and accountability in political institutions.
If charged and convicted, it could affect Donaldson's appeal or lead to additional prison time.

Background

Jeffrey Donaldson was baron of the DUP for nearly two decades and served as its leader until his arrest in March 2024. He resigned after being charged with historical sex offences. Last week he was convicted of 18 counts including rape and sentenced to 15 years. He is now appealing. The new allegation relates to a separate incident from 2016, which was reported by the Belfast Telegraph in July, naming the woman who made the claim but not Donaldson directly while he was awaiting trial.

Key Perspectives

Police (Metropolitan Police and PSNI): No arrests have been made. The investigation is in early stages. The woman is being supported by specialist officers. Alleged victim: Through the Belfast Telegraph report, she described an incident in which she says Donaldson plied her with alcohol and made unwanted sexual advances in his parliamentary office. She has now provided a formal evidence interview to PSNI. Jeffrey Donaldson: He has not been charged in this case. He is currently appealing his earlier conviction and sentence. His legal team has not commented publicly on the new allegation.

What to Watch

Whether the Metropolitan Police decide to arrest and charge Donaldson.
The progress of Donaldson's appeal and whether the new allegation influences the Court of Appeal.
Any statement from the DUP or broader political reaction.
Potential for additional victims to come forward.

Sources

Ex-DUP chief faces new allegation of raping woman inside Westminster · Politico Europe

Checked

12 claims in this story checked against 1 source: 11 supported.

Show each claim

SupportedJeffrey Donaldson faces a new allegation that he raped a woman inside the DUP’s Westminster offices in 2016.Politico Europe: “Jeffrey Donaldson, is facing a new allegation that he raped a woman inside the DUP’s Westminster offices in 2016.”
SupportedThe Metropolitan Police has opened an investigation into the 2016 allegation.Politico Europe: “The Metropolitan Police in London said Wednesday it has opened its own investigation”
SupportedDonaldson was sentenced last week to 15 years in prison for sexually assaulting two girls.Politico Europe: “Donaldson, who last week received a 15-year prison sentence for sexually assaulting two girls”
SupportedThe Met said it received an evidence file from PSNI detectives, who interviewed the woman on October 13.Politico Europe: “after receiving an evidence file from Police Service of Northern Ireland detectives, who interviewed the woman on October 13.”
SupportedThe Met described the case as “an allegation of rape.”Politico Europe: “The Met’s statement specified the case as “an allegation of rape””
SupportedPolice said the allegation involved one victim who was being supported by specialist officers.Politico Europe: ““The allegation relates to one victim who is being supported by specialist officers,” the force said.”
SupportedPolice said the investigation was in its early stages, no arrests had been made and enquiries were ongoing.Politico Europe: ““The investigation is in its early stages. No arrests have been made and enquiries are ongoing.””
SupportedThe Met identified the suspect only as “a man now aged 63,” consistent with English legal practice where suspects are not named unless charged.Politico Europe: “identified the suspect only as “a man now aged 63,” in keeping with English legal practice that suspects are not named unless charged.”
SupportedThe woman claimed Donaldson plied her with vodka shots inside the DUP’s parliamentary offices in London.Politico Europe: “a woman who claimed Donaldson had plied her with vodka shots inside the DUP’s parliamentary offices in London”
SupportedThe woman claimed Donaldson tried to kiss her and put his hand up her skirt.Politico Europe: “before trying to kiss her and put his hand up her skirt.”
Partly supportedThe woman said Donaldson gave her a parliamentary tour, introduced her to senior MPs and lords, and took her to dinner in the MPs’ dining room.Politico Europe: “The Belfast Telegraph reported that Donaldson had given the woman a tour of the Houses of Parliament, introduced her to senior MPs and lords, and taken her to dinner inside the MPs’ dining room before the alleged assault.”
SupportedDonaldson is appealing his conviction on 18 counts, including one rape count.Politico Europe: “Donaldson — who is tentatively scheduled for release by 2033 after serving half of his sentence — is appealing his conviction on 18 counts, including one of rape.”