Ulster Unionists to establish independent process over child abuser Donaldson
The Ulster Unionist Party (UUP) is launching an independent process to investigate potential knowledge of Jeffrey Donaldson's past conduct during his time with the party. This follows Donaldson's recent conviction for multiple sex abuse offenses.
Why it matters
It addresses institutional accountability and safeguarding failures within a major political party regarding a high-profile criminal case.
Image source, PA/ Liam McBurney Image caption, Jeffrey Donaldson is to appeal his convictions
The Ulster Unionist Party (UUP) has said it will appoint an independent, external organisation to establish a process for people to confidentially share information about Jeffrey Donaldson during his time in the party.
Donaldson was convicted of 18 counts of sex abuse last month , including one count of rape, committed against two women when they were children.
The former Democratic Unionist Party (DUP) leader was a member of the UUP from 1985 until 2003, before joining the DUP.
The UUP has also said it will review its safeguarding arrangements.
Last week, Donaldson's legal team said they planned to appeal against his sex offence convictions .
In a statement on Monday, a spokesperson for the UUP said the party's thoughts "remain, first and foremost, with his victims".
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