Met Police Investigate Alleged Rape by Former DUP Leader Inside Parliament

The Metropolitan Police have opened an investigation into an alleged rape that took place in 2016 inside the Houses of Parliament. The allegation was reported to the Met by the Police Service of Northern Ireland on 13 October. The case involves a woman from Northern Ireland who was interviewed by PSNI officers.

The suspect is identified only as a 63‑year‑old man. No arrests have been made and the investigation is described as being in its early stages. The Met said the victim is being supported by specialist officers.

Jeffrey Donaldson was the leader of the Democratic Unionist Party from 2021 to 2024. He was sentenced to 15 years in prison in June for child sexual offences, including one count of rape. He is appealing his convictions.

The allegation first surfaced in July when the Belfast Telegraph reported that Donaldson had invited a woman to a tour of the Commons and later to the DUP’s Westminster offices. The woman claimed he offered her vodka shots, tried to kiss her and put his hand up her skirt. The Met confirmed the alleged rape was reported to have taken place inside Parliament in 2016.