DUP Launches Safeguarding Review After Donaldson Conviction | Belfast News

The DUP is launching a sweeping, independent safeguarding review after the conviction of former leader Jeffrey Donaldson on 18 sexual offense charges — including rape — against children. Facing mounting scrutiny, current leader Gavin Robinson admits the party was unaware of past allegations, vows this won’t continue under his leadership, and demands a full audit of past policies and knowledge. The probe, led by a child safeguarding expert, will examine whether insiders knew about Donaldson’s alleged misconduct and failed to act — even as revelations surface of senior officers witnessing him in a gay sauna in 2006, the same year he publicly denounced homosexuality. Former MP Ian Paisley reportedly warned party leadership about a woman’s concerns back then. Other parties are demanding transparency, questioning past DUP reviews, and calling for Speaker Edwin Poots to step aside during the inquiry — as Northern Ireland grapples with the fallout of a scandal that shakes the foundations of political trust. Support the show:Get a discount at https://solipillow.com/discount/dnn. Advertise on DNN:[email protected] This is an automated, high-level news summary based on public reporting.Report issues to [email protected]. View sources & latest updates:https://sources.thednn.ai/5e9a22b168e7d5fa