The key facts
- The Metropolitan Police is investigating a 2016 rape allegation in Westminster against a 63-year-old man, whom the BBC has identified as Jeffrey Donaldson
- The woman's complaint was passed by the PSNI to the Met on 13 October; no arrests have been made and the investigation is at an early stage
- Last week Donaldson was sentenced to 15 years for child sexual offences committed between 1985 and 2008; he is appealing the sentence
New investigation against former DUP leader
Jailed former Democratic Unionist Party (DUP) leader Jeffrey Donaldson is being investigated by London police over an allegation that a woman was raped inside the parliament building in Westminster in 2016, the BBC has reported. According to journalists Mandy McAuley and Stephen Dempster (BBC Spotlight), the woman has already been interviewed by officers of the Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI), which passed her complaint to the Metropolitan Police because the alleged incident took place in London.
Police statement
Without naming him, the Metropolitan Police confirmed it is investigating a complaint against a 63-year-old man: 'On Tuesday 13 October the Met received a referral passed to us by the Police Service of Northern Ireland concerning an allegation of rape in 2016 by a man, now aged 63. The allegation relates to one victim, who is being supported by specially trained officers. The investigation is at an early stage. No arrests have been made and enquiries continue.'
Previous reporting
In July, the Belfast Telegraph was first to report that a woman from Northern Ireland had alleged sexual assault by Donaldson in the DUP offices at parliament in 2016: she said he tried to persuade her to drink vodka in his office, then tried to kiss her and put his hand up her skirt. On Saturday the newspaper reported that the Met was preparing to interview Donaldson over these allegations. However, as emerged in response to BBC questions, the same woman also accuses him of rape.
Sentencing context
Last week Donaldson was sentenced to 15 years in prison for a series of child sexual offences against two victims, including one rape, committed between 1985 and 2008. He intends to appeal the sentence. Concerns about the former MP's conduct in London were raised earlier this year in a BBC NI Spotlight film.
Image source, PA Media Donaldson appearing at a previous court appearance in June 2026
