Jailed former DUP leader Jeffrey Donaldson investigated over alleged Westminster rape

Met Police probing claim that woman was raped in Houses of Parliament in 2016

By LineZotpaper

Published21 October 2026

Read Time2 min

Jailed former Democratic Unionist Party (DUP) leader Jeffrey Donaldson is being investigated by London police over an allegation that he raped a woman inside the Houses of Parliament in 2016, the BBC has reported. Donaldson, who was sentenced last week to 15 years in prison for historical child sex offences, is already seeking to appeal those convictions. The Metropolitan Police confirmed it received a report from the Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) relating to a rape allegation against a 63-year-old man, and that no arrests have been made.

The allegation centres on an incident that allegedly took place in Westminster in 2016, at the heart of the political establishment. According to the BBC, the woman has been interviewed by PSNI officers, who then shared her claims with the Metropolitan Police, as the alleged incident occurred in London.

In a statement, the Metropolitan Police said: "On Tuesday 13 October, the Met received a report referred to us by the Police Service of Northern Ireland relating to an allegation of rape in 2016, by a man now aged 63. The allegation relates to one victim who is being supported by specialist officers. The investigation is in its early stages. No arrests have been made and enquiries are ongoing."

The story was first reported by the Belfast Telegraph in July, which said a woman from Northern Ireland alleged she had been sexually assaulted by Donaldson in the DUP offices at Parliament in 2016. She claimed he attempted to get her to drink vodka shots in his office before trying to kiss her and put his hand up her skirt. On Saturday, the newspaper reported that the Met was set to investigate and interview Donaldson about those accusations.

In response to further questions from the BBC, it emerged the same woman also alleges Donaldson raped her. Earlier this year, a BBC Northern Ireland Spotlight documentary raised concerns about the former MP's behaviour in London.

Donaldson was sentenced last week for a series of child sex offences against two victims, including one count of rape, that took place between 1985 and 2008. He is appealing his convictions.

Analysis

Why This Matters

The allegation strikes at the integrity of the UK's political establishment, involving a former party leader and a crime allegedly committed within the Houses of Parliament.
It adds a further, more serious claim to the criminal record of a figure already serving a lengthy prison sentence.
The case will test how police handle cross-jurisdictional historical sexual offence allegations involving high-profile individuals.

Background

Jeffrey Donaldson was a leading figure in Northern Ireland politics for decades, serving as DUP leader from 2021 until his resignation earlier this year following his arrest. He was an MP representing Lagan Valley and held several ministerial roles. In October 2026 he was sentenced to 15 years in prison after being convicted of child sex offences against two victims, including rape, spanning from 1985 to 2008. He is currently appealing those convictions. The new allegation, relating to an adult woman in 2016, is being investigated separately by the Metropolitan Police after the PSNI passed on the complaint.

Key Perspectives

The alleged victim: The woman has made a formal complaint to police, first alleging sexual assault and now rape, and is receiving support from specialist officers. The Metropolitan Police: The force has confirmed an investigation is under way, describing it as in its early stages, with no arrests made. Jeffrey Donaldson: The former DUP leader has not publicly responded to the new allegation. He is already pursuing an appeal against his child sex offence convictions. Critics/Skeptics: The allegation comes after Donaldson's conviction for serious offences, but the new claim dates from a later period and involves a distinct victim. The police investigation remains preliminary.

What to Watch

Whether the Met proceeds to arrest and charge Donaldson over the Westminster rape allegation.
The progress of Donaldson's appeal against his existing convictions.
Any further details emerging from the BBC Spotlight investigation or other media reports.

Sources

Jailed former DUP leader Jeffrey Donaldson being investigated over alleged rape inside Westminster · BBC Northern Ireland

Checked

11 claims in this story checked against 1 source: 8 supported.

Show each claim

SupportedDonaldson is being investigated over an alleged rape in Westminster in 2016.BBC Northern Ireland: “Jailed former Democratic Unionist Party (DUP) leader Jeffrey Donaldson is being investigated by London police about an alleged rape of a woman inside the Houses of Parliament”
SupportedThe Met said it received a PSNI referral about a 2016 rape allegation involving a man aged 63.BBC Northern Ireland: “On Tuesday 13 October, the Met received a report referred to us by the Police Service of Northern Ireland relating to an allegation of rape in 2016, by a man now aged 63.”
SupportedThe Met said no arrests had been made.BBC Northern Ireland: “No arrests have been made and enquiries are ongoing.”
SupportedThe Met’s quoted statement matches the source wording.BBC Northern Ireland: “The allegation relates to one victim who is being supported by specialist officers. The investigation is in its early stages. No arrests have been made and enquiries are ongoing.”
Partly supportedThe woman has been interviewed by PSNI officers.BBC Northern Ireland: “It is understood the woman has been interviewed by Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) officers.”
SupportedDonaldson was sentenced last week to 15 years for child sex offences against two victims, including one count of rape, committed between 1985 and 2008.BBC Northern Ireland: “Last week Donaldson was sentenced to 15 years in prison for a series of child sex offences against two victims, including one count of rape, which took place between 1985 and 2008.”
Partly supportedDonaldson is appealing his convictions.BBC Northern Ireland: “He is seeking to appeal his convictions.”
SupportedThe Belfast Telegraph first reported in July that a woman from Northern Ireland alleged Donaldson sexually assaulted her in the DUP offices at Parliament in 2016.BBC Northern Ireland: “In July, the Belfast Telegraph first reported that a woman from Northern Ireland alleged she had been sexually assaulted by Donaldson in the DUP offices at Parliament in 2016.”
SupportedOn Saturday, the Belfast Telegraph reported that the Met was set to investigate and interview Donaldson about the accusations.BBC Northern Ireland: “On Saturday, the newspaper further reported that the Met was set to investigate and interview Donaldson about these accusations.”
SupportedThe same woman also alleges that Donaldson raped her.BBC Northern Ireland: “But in response to BBC questions it has now emerged the same woman has also alleged Donaldson raped her.”
Partly supportedA BBC Northern Ireland Spotlight documentary raised concerns about Donaldson’s behaviour in London earlier this year.BBC Northern Ireland: “Concerns about the ex-DUP MP's behaviour in London was raised in a BBC NI Spotlight film , earlier this year.”