DUP commissions ‘unbiased evaluation’ over allegations about ex-leader Jeffrey Donaldson’s way of life | UTV

The DUP have commissioned a “specialised and detailed” unbiased evaluation over points arising following the conviction of Jeffrey Donaldson.

It comes after DUP Minister Paul Givan instructed UTV he was conscious of “rumours” about Donaldson’s way of life in relation to adults however not about crimes involving kids.

There had been a number of stories on Friday together with from the Belfast Telegraph and BBC over claims made in regards to the former MP’s behaviour.

They included stories that he engaged in hypocritical behaviour at instances, though not legal behaviour.

Another declare was that a number of individuals within the DUP had been made conscious of an allegation made by a younger lady, that she had been exploited by Donaldson. However, no formal criticism was made.

On Monday, a jury of seven males and 5 girls at Newry Crown Court unanimously discovered Donaldson, 63, responsible of 18 sexual offences, together with one rely of rape, towards two girls once they had been kids.

Paul Givan MLA instructed UTV: “I think you need to differentiate between what were crimes against children, and what also then are rumors.

“There had been rumors about Jeffrey Donaldson, however once more, having proof is what’s vital in that respect.

“And what I’m hearing in terms of the rumors, these related to adults in that respect, not of a criminal nature.

“But I haven’t got the data on this. People are asking me and others to invest about unknowns.”

In a statement the DUP said: “The celebration has no information of those points raised and is shocked to be taught of those alleged incidents highlighted.

“The Democratic Unionist Party has well established processes for dealing with complaints and standards.

“At no time did the celebration obtain any complaints internally or externally about inappropriate and/or legal behaviour by Jeffrey Donaldson.”

Later on Friday in another statement, the party said: “The DUP acted swiftly when former member Jeffrey Donaldson was first charged.

“As a party we believe in the rule of law and that criminal proceedings must take their full course. Justice has been served with the guilty verdicts against him.

“The Party Leader Gavin Robinson MP, Deputy Leader Michelle McIlveen MLA and Party Chairman are deeply involved by allegations which have surfaced in current days regarding inappropriate behaviour on behalf of Jeffrey Donaldson, and the indication that some could have had information of inappropriate behaviour however which was by no means reported to the Party Officers.

“The Party Leadership have today commenced the process of commissioning a specialised and detailed independent review into a number of issues arising following the conviction of Jeffrey Donaldson and further details will be announced shortly.”

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