DUP reveals details of review into what was known about Donaldson’s conduct

By Jonathan McCambridge (Press Association)

The DUP has revealed details of a “focused, independent review” commissioned to establish what was known within the party about the conduct of Jeffrey Donaldson.

The party has said it is clear “beyond doubt” that Donaldson “abused various positions of power over many years from 1985 onwards and covered up his vile and manipulative behaviour”.

The review will be led by Jim Gamble, a former RUC officer and head of the Child Exploitation and Online Protection Command (CEOP) Centre.

Former DUP leader Donaldson was last month convicted at Newry Crown Court of 18 sex offences, including one count of rape, relating to abuse of two women when they were children.

Subsequent media reports have raised questions about how much was known within the DUP about Donaldson’s wider conduct in the period prior to his 2024 arrest over sex abuse allegations.

BBC Spotlight has reported that some senior DUP figures were aware of another woman, who was not involved in the recent court case, who had raised concerns about Donaldson’s behaviour.

Questions have also been raised around whether there was an awareness that Donaldson was allegedly engaged in behaviour in his private life that, although legal, was at odds with positions he adopted publicly.

Several other political parties have said the DUP has questions to answer about what was known internally about Donaldson’s conduct.

Current DUP leader Gavin Robinson had previously confirmed he would commission the review to investigate issues raised since Donaldson was convicted.

A party statement said: “The DUP has commissioned the iNEQE Safeguarding Group to conduct an Independent Focused Safeguarding Review for the Democratic Unionist Party into Jeffrey Donaldson’s time as a member of the party.

“The DUP has commissioned this focused independent review to establish what, if any, information was known within the party about his conduct, to examine its safeguarding and reporting arrangements, and to make recommendations to ensure good practice for all its members and staff.”

The party said the review would be carried out by a “specialist multi-disciplinary team” from the iNEQE Safeguarding Group, led by Mr Gamble.

It said review will be conducted entirely independent of the party.

The terms of reference for the review will be:

– Conduct an independent review to establish what (if any) information was known within the DUP concerning allegations of inappropriate conduct relating to safeguarding by Jeffrey Donaldson. This will include who knew, when and from whom they learned it, the form in which it arose (eyewitness, formal complaint, disclosure, concern, rumour or warning), and what action was or was not taken.

– Provide an independent and confidential facility for party members to come forward with related information, concerns or experiences relating to Jeffrey Donaldson during his time in the DUP.

-Examine and review the DUP’s safeguarding processes (including reporting mechanisms) and make recommendations to ensure good practice is followed by all members and staff.

The party statement said: “The DUP acted immediately when Jeffrey Donaldson was first charged. We believe in the rule of law and that justice must be obtained through our courts.

“We stand with the victims of his abuse and we salute their bravery and courage for speaking out.

“Regardless of the crime, we will always be on the side of the victim and as a society, we must do everything possible to encourage those who have been abused to come forward to the police and seek justice through our court system.

“As a consequence of his actions, Jeffrey Donaldson must now feel the full force of the law.

“He stands guilty of abusing and betraying the trust placed in him by many people over the years, including good honest colleagues in both our party and the Ulster Unionist Party as well as the wider community. ”

It added: “While the DUP never received any report or complaint regarding improper behaviour or criminal behaviour, it is now clear, beyond doubt, that Jeffrey Donaldson abused various positions of power over many years from 1985 onwards and covered up his vile and manipulative behaviour.

“The work of the review has now commenced and the party does not intend to give a running commentary on it whilst it is ongoing respecting the fundamental independent nature of it.”