The Metropolitan Police have confirmed that a 63-year-old man is the subject of an investigation into an alleged rape that is said to have occurred inside the Westminster parliamentary estate. While the force did not identify the individual in its statement, media reports have named former DUP leader Jeffrey Donaldson as the person who is to be interviewed.
Police statement
In its brief public statement the Met said officers were investigating an allegation of rape and that a man, aged 63, was being treated as the subject of that inquiry. The force declined to provide further detail about the alleged incident or to name the person involved, citing the ongoing nature of the investigation.
Legal and parliamentary context
Allegations of this kind within the parliamentary estate can involve both criminal and parliamentary processes. The Metropolitan Police’s confirmation indicates a criminal inquiry is under way; further action, including any interview or potential charges, will depend on the outcome of the police work and any evidential considerations.
Mr Donaldson has been identified in reports as the individual to be interviewed, but the Met’s decision not to name the suspect underlines that public details remain limited. As with all criminal allegations, those involved are entitled to the presumption of innocence until proven guilty in court.
Developments expected
The matter is likely to attract significant political and media attention given the location of the alleged incident and the profile of the person named in reports. The Metropolitan Police have not provided a timeline for further updates, and it remains unclear when any interview will take place or whether further arrests or charges will follow. The investigation is ongoing.