Former Democratic Unionist Party leader Jeffrey Donaldson is to be questioned by London police regarding an allegation that he raped a woman inside the Houses of Parliament, according to BBC News.
The disgraced former MP faces an accusation that he committed the alleged assault against a woman in Westminster during 2016, within the legislative heart of the United Kingdom's political system. BBC News has revealed the details of the investigation.
According to available information, the alleged victim has already provided a statement to officers from the Police Service of Northern Ireland. Those officers have subsequently transferred her allegations to the Metropolitan Police, given that the alleged incident occurred in the capital.
The Metropolitan Police has not disclosed Donaldson's identity in its official statement, but has confirmed that a 63-year-old man is the subject of an active investigation into the matter.
Background to the allegations
This development follows a significant period of legal proceedings against Donaldson. In June 2026, Donaldson was found guilty on 18 child sex abuse charges following a four-week trial at Newry Crown Court. The charges related to offences spanning from 1985 to 2008 involving two complainants. During the trial, Donaldson testified in his own defence, denying all 18 sex abuse charges and characterising the allegations as false.
The conviction revealed details of what has been described as a double life, with reports indicating visits to a gay sauna and allegations of exploitation. Former colleagues and police representatives highlighted concerns about hypocrisy and potential security vulnerabilities during his tenure in political office.
Throughout the legal process, Donaldson has maintained his innocence regarding the allegations. In court proceedings, he called the claims "simply not true" and rejected any involvement or knowledge by his wife, who faced related charges but was deemed unfit for trial due to mental health considerations.
