Former Democratic Unionist Party (DUP) leader Sir Jeffrey Donaldson has announced his intention to renounce and forfeit his knighthood and membership in the Privy Council following his conviction on multiple sexual offence charges.

On Monday, a jury at Newry Crown Court found Donaldson, 63, guilty of 18 sexual offences, including one count of rape. The offences were committed against two women during their childhood over a period spanning from 1985 to 2008. The jury, composed of seven men and five women, reached a unanimous verdict.

Judge Paul Ramsey indicated that Donaldson could face a substantial custodial sentence at his upcoming sentencing hearing.

In the wake of the conviction, several political figures called for Donaldson to be stripped of his titles and honours. Responding to the public outcry and judicial outcome, Donaldson has taken steps to relinquish his knighthood and Privy Council membership.

The implications of the case are significant, marking a notable fall from grace for the former DUP leader, who held prominent positions in Northern Ireland’s political landscape. The steps taken to renounce his titles underscore the weight of the legal findings and the ensuing political repercussions.