Met investigates rape allegation against former DUP leader Jeffrey Donaldson

Police are investigating an allegation that former DUP leader Jeffrey Donaldson raped a woman in the party’s Westminster offices in 2016. The Met says he is to be interviewed, the investigation is at an early stage and no arrests have been made; the allegation matters amid Donaldson’s recent conviction for child sex offences.

The woman was interviewed by the Police Service of Northern Ireland, which referred the allegation to the Met on 13 October. Reports say Donaldson allegedly tried to kiss her and put his hand up her skirt after encouraging her to drink vodka shots. Last week, he was jailed for 15 years after being convicted of 18 offences against two victims over 23 years; he denies those charges and has lodged an appeal.