The Metropolitan Police have launched an investigation after the Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) referred an allegation that the former Democratic Unionist Party (DUP) leader raped a woman inside the Palace of Westminster in 2016.
The report was received by the Met on 13 October, the force said, and concerns an incident alleged to have happened in London a decade ago. The man at the centre of the inquiry is now aged 63. Police described the investigation as at an early stage, with no arrests made so far. Specialist officers are supporting the alleged victim.
Police confirmation and what is known so far
Scotland Yard confirmed the referral from the PSNI and provided a brief statement that set out the basic facts. It said the allegation relates to a single victim and that enquiries remain ongoing. The PSNI has interviewed the woman, according to reports.
“On Tuesday 13 October, the Met received a report, referred to us by Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI), relating to an allegation of rape in 2016, by a man now aged 63,”
The force added that specialist officers are supporting the victim and that the matter is under investigation. No further operational detail was released by the Met.
Political context and known public roles
The man named in media reports as being the subject of the allegation led the DUP from 2021 to 2024. The party has previously been central to UK politics, particularly on matters affecting Northern Ireland and the relationship with Westminster.
Press accounts indicate the alleged incident involved the woman being shown parts of the Commons and introduced to senior figures, followed by dinner and a return to the party’s parliamentary offices. These details have been reported by the Belfast Telegraph; the PSNI is reported to have interviewed the woman and subsequently referred the case to the Met because the alleged offence was said to have taken place in London.
Legal and procedural next steps
At this stage, the matter is an active police inquiry. The key immediate elements are:
- Referral from PSNI to the Metropolitan Police on 13 October;
- Allegation relates to an incident said to have occurred in 2016 in the Palace of Westminster;
- No arrests have been made; enquiries are ongoing and the victim is being supported by specialist officers.
Investigations of alleged historic sexual offending inside Parliament raise particularly sensitive issues because of the location and the public profile of those potentially involved. The Met will determine next steps based on evidence gathered, including any forensic and witness material, and decisions about possible arrests or charges will follow standard criminal-procedure practice.
Public interest and party response
The emergence of the allegation is likely to prompt questions about parliamentary security, access to private offices and how complaints involving elected representatives are handled. It will also test mechanisms for policing conduct relating to Westminster and Northern Ireland political figures.
The DUP and the individual implicated have not provided comments to the Met’s statement in the information published so far. Broadly, allegations of this nature demand careful handling to protect the integrity of the investigation and the rights of all those involved.
| Key dates / facts | Detail |
|---|---|
| Alleged incident | 2016, inside the Palace of Westminster |
| Referral to Met | 13 October (referred by PSNI) |
| Subject's age | 63 |
| Political role | Leader of the DUP from 2021 to 2024 |
As the inquiry progresses the Met may release further operational updates. For now the focus remains on establishing the factual circumstances of the allegation through established investigative processes and ensuring support for the person who has come forward.
Given the prominence of the individual named in reports and the location of the alleged offence, the case will be watched closely by politicians, campaign groups and the public as policing and justice procedures unfold.
