Northern Ireland’s DUP party leader resigns after being charged by police

By Ahmet Gencturk

ATHENS (AA) - The leader of Northern Ireland’s Democratic Unionist Party (DUP) resigned after being charged by police, the party said on Friday.

"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,” a party statement said.

It added that Donaldson’s party membership has also been suspended, pending the outcome of a judicial process.

Gavin Robinson MP has been appointed as the interim party leader, the statement added.