2024 Democratic Unionist Party leadership election

Last updated
Next Democratic Unionist Party leadership election
←  June 2021
Incumbent Leader

Gavin Robinson
(interim)



The Next Democratic Unionist Party leadership election was triggered by Jeffrey Donaldson's resignation from the leadership of the party on 29 March 2024. [1] Donaldson stepped down after being charged with non-recent sexual offences. [2] [3] The party also suspended his membership. [4]

Contents

Background

Sir Jeffrey Donaldson was leader of the DUP from 2021, until his resignation in 2024. Official portrait of Sir Jeffrey M. Donaldson crop 2.jpg
Sir Jeffrey Donaldson was leader of the DUP from 2021, until his resignation in 2024.

2021 leadership elections

Arlene Foster announced her resignation as DUP leader on 28 April 2021, triggering a leadership contest. [5] [6] Donaldson was defeated by Edwin Poots MLA, by 19 votes to 17. [7]

On 17 June, after 21 days and amid a party crisis, Poots resigned. [8] The Belfast Telegraph described the events as "one of the most tumultuous days in the DUP's 50-year history". [9]

Donaldson declared his candidacy on 21 June to become Leader of the DUP. [10] [11] He was elected unopposed, made leader-designate on 26 June, and was appointed party leader on 30 June. [12] [13]

Sexual offences charge

On 28 March 2024, Donaldson was arrested by the Police Service of Northern Ireland and charged with non-recent rape and multiple other sexual offences. [14] [15] The following day he stood down as leader of the DUP, which, as required by its rules, suspended his membership pending the outcome of the judicial process. Donaldson will appear before Newry Magistrates' Court on 24 April 2024. [14]

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References

  1. ↑ "DUP leader Jeffrey Donaldson's Twitter and other social media accounts unavailable". The Irish News. 29 March 2024. Retrieved 29 March 2024.
  2. ↑ "PSNI charge man (61) over non-recent sexual offences". The Irish News. 29 March 2024. Retrieved 29 March 2024.
  3. ↑ "DUP's Sir Jeffrey Donaldson steps down as leader after being charged with allegations of a historical nature". Sky News. Retrieved 29 March 2024.
  4. ↑ "DUP Statement". mydup.com. 29 March 2024. Retrieved 29 March 2024.
  5. ↑ Blevins, David (28 April 2021). "Arlene Foster to step down as DUP leader and Northern Ireland's first minister". Sky News. Archived from the original on 29 April 2021. Retrieved 28 April 2021.
  6. ↑ Leebody, Christopher (3 May 2021). "Sir Jeffrey Donaldson 'enters race' to be DUP leader". Belfast Telegraph . Archived from the original on 5 May 2021.
  7. ↑ Hogan, Laura (14 May 2021). "Edwin Poots to succeed Foster as new DUP leader". RTÉ News . Archived from the original on 16 May 2021. Retrieved 23 June 2021.
  8. ↑ "DUP leader Edwin Poots resigns amid internal party revolt". BBC News . 17 June 2021. Archived from the original on 18 June 2021. Retrieved 19 June 2021.
  9. ↑ Hewitt, Ralph (17 June 2021). "Edwin Poots to step down as DUP leader just three weeks after taking the role". Belfast Telegraph . Archived from the original on 23 June 2021. Retrieved 18 June 2021.
  10. ↑ "DUP leadership: Sir Jeffrey Donaldson confirms bid for top job". BBC News . 21 June 2021. Archived from the original on 23 June 2021. Retrieved 21 June 2021.
  11. ↑ Hutton, Brian (21 June 2021). "Jeffrey Donaldson confirms he is to run for leadership of DUP". The Irish Times . Dublin. ISSN   0791-5144. Archived from the original on 23 June 2021. Retrieved 21 June 2021.
  12. ↑ Andrews, Chris (22 June 2021). "DUP leadership: Sir Jeffrey Donaldson is only candidate". BBC News . Archived from the original on 23 June 2021. Retrieved 22 June 2021.
  13. ↑ McCambridge, Jonathan (22 June 2021). "Sir Jeffrey Donaldson to become next leader of the DUP". Belfast Telegraph . Press Association. Archived from the original on 23 June 2021. Retrieved 22 June 2021.
  14. 1 2 "Man, 61, charged over non-recent sexual offences". BBC News. 29 March 2024. Retrieved 29 March 2024.
  15. ↑ "DUP leader Sir Jeffrey Donaldson resigns after rape charge". BBC News. 29 March 2024. Retrieved 29 March 2024.
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