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Calls for Donaldson's Knighthood to Be Removed
Political leaders urge forfeiture of knighthood after Sir Jeffrey Donaldson's conviction for 18 historical sexual offenses.
- Sir Jeffrey Donaldson faces mounting calls to lose his 2016 knighthood following his conviction at Newry Crown Court for 18 historical sexual offences against two women when they were children.
- The Honours Forfeiture Committee, a Cabinet Office body, assesses whether recipients convicted of serious crimes brought the honours system into disrepute, submitting recommendations through the Prime Minister to the King for final approval.
- Current DUP leader Gavin Robinson called Monday for removal of both the knighthood and Privy Council membership, describing the crimes as "heinous and despicable," while TUV leader Jim Allister tabled a House of Commons motion and Ulster Unionist leader Jon Burrows demanded removal "without delay."
- Beyond the knighthood, Donaldson faces removal from the Privy Council, while his wife Eleanor Donaldson is expected to lose her title of Lady after being found to have aided his abuse following a trial of the facts.
- Although a final decision could take months as the committee meets at set intervals, precedent shows serious convictions frequently result in forfeiture—former banker Sir Fred Goodwin's knighthood was revoked in 2012 and entertainer Rolf Harris's CBE for child sex offences—with outcomes published in the London Gazette.
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Total News Sources12
Leaning Left3Leaning Right1Center5Last UpdatedBias Distribution56% Center
Bias Distribution
- 56% of the sources are Center
56% Center
L 33%
C 56%
11%
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