Met Police investigating new rape allegation linked to ex-DUP leader Donaldson

London's Metropolitan Police (the Met) has confirmed it is investigating an allegation of rape connected to Westminster, the seat of the UK Parliament in London. The article links the case to Jeffrey Donaldson, the former leader of Northern Ireland's Democratic Unionist Party (DUP). Police did not name him.

What police said

The Met described the case as "an allegation of rape" and referred to the suspect only as a man now aged 63. That follows English legal practice, under which suspects are not named unless they are charged. The force said the allegation relates to one victim, who is being supported by specialist officers. It said the investigation is at an early stage, no arrests have been made and enquiries are continuing.

Earlier allegations

The 2016 allegations against Donaldson first came to light in July, when the Belfast Telegraph published an interview with a woman. She claimed that in the DUP's parliamentary offices in London he had given her vodka shots, tried to kiss her and put his hand up her skirt.

According to the newspaper, before the alleged assault Donaldson had given the woman a tour of the Houses of Parliament, introduced her to senior MPs and lords, and taken her to dinner in the MPs' dining room.