Jeffrey Donaldson has resigned as leader of the Democratic Unionist Party (DUP) after being charged with sexual offences.

He is Northern Ireland's longest-standing MP, first elected in 1997, and had been the DUP's leader in the UK House of Commons since 2019.

The DUP said Donaldson has handed in his resignation.

"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,” they said.

“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."

Several social media accounts belonging to Jeffrey Donaldson have also been deleted today.

His replacement Gavin Robinson has been an MP for Belfast East since 2015 and has served as Deputy Leader of the DUP since June 2023.

More to follow..

Main image: DUP leader Jeffrey Donaldson outside Dromore Cathedral in Co Down, 8-4-18. Image: PA Images / Alamy