Calls to immediately revoke Sir Jeffrey Donaldson's knighthood have intensified following his conviction for historical sexual offences. Donaldson, 63, was found guilty at Newry Crown Court of 18 offences against two women when they were children.
Background of the Conviction
Donaldson, the former Democratic Unionist Party leader, was appointed to the Privy Council in 2007 and received a knighthood from the late Queen Elizabeth II in her 2016 Birthday Honours. The offences occurred decades ago, and the verdict has sparked widespread condemnation.
Political Reactions
Current DUP leader Gavin Robinson was among senior unionists calling for Donaldson's knighthood and membership of the Privy Council to be removed. Ulster Unionist leader Jon Burrows also demanded that all state honours previously bestowed on Donaldson be stripped "without delay."
Burrows stated: "There is no rank, no title and no past office that places anyone above the law. Jeffrey Donaldson abused his power and betrayed everyone who ever placed their faith in him. He must now be stripped of all state honours without delay: no honour of the state should remain in the hands of a man convicted of crimes of this nature."
Traditional Unionist Voice leader Jim Allister said he had tabled a motion in the House of Commons calling on the Prime Minister to recommend to the King that Donaldson's knighthood be removed.
Process for Forfeiture of Honours
Honours can be removed with the approval of the King after advice and consideration by the Forfeiture Committee, which is convened under the Cabinet Office. Honour recipients are expected to be good citizens and role models; honours can be removed from those found guilty of criminal offences or who bring the honour system into disrepute.
The committee's recommendations for forfeiture are submitted through the Prime Minister to the King. If the King gives his approval, a notice of forfeiture is usually published on the Government website and placed in the London Gazette.
The Cabinet Office said that those who have their honour removed are asked to return their insignia to Buckingham Palace and can no longer make any reference to their having an honour in the future. This includes use of the honour post-nominals on websites, publications, or business cards.
