Sir Jeffrey Donaldson, the leader of the Democratic Unionist Party, has been suspended.

In a statement, the DUP said: “The Party Chairman has received a letter from Sir Jeffrey Donaldson MP confirming that he has been charged with allegations of an historical nature and indicating that he is stepping down as Leader of the Democratic Unionist Party with immediate effect.

“In accordance with the Party Rules, the Party Officers have suspended Mr Donaldson from membership, pending the outcome of a judicial process.

“The Party Officers have this morning unanimously appointed Mr Gavin Robinson MP as the Interim Party Leader.”

Sir Jeffrey has led the party since 2021, but has been an MP since 1997.

Prior to joining the DUP, he was part of the Ulster Unionist Party’s delegation to negotiate the Good Friday Peace agreement.

Keep up with all the latest news from the UK and around the world by following Sky News

This breaking news story is being updated and more details will be published shortly.

Please refresh the page for the fullest version.

You can receive breaking news alerts on a smartphone or tablet via the Sky News app. You can also follow @SkyNews on X or subscribe to our YouTube channel to keep up with the latest news.

Related posts:

‘Time to distinguish’ between those who have and have not had a COVID jab, Tony Blair says ‘I might choose to wear a mask in a crowded environment’: What the experts are saying on face coverings School bubbles to end – and pupils will only need to self-isolate if test positive from 16 August State pension ‘triple lock’ rise could cost Sunak extra £3bn a year, watchdog warns Labour MP Tulip Siddiq’s car vandalised in ‘targeted attack’ Move to prevent suspension of former cabinet minister is a show of strength from Number 10 Public hearings for COVID inquiry set to begin next year No 10 admits it spoke to The Times before Carrie Johnson story was pulled Asylum seekers may be housed on barge from today – as govt unveils new migration policy ‘Political cowardice’: Corbyn hits out at Labour position on migrant barges Home Secretary announces task force to target ‘crooked’ immigration lawyers Rishi Sunak pledges extra £54m for security of Jewish communities amid record levels of antisemitism