Jeffrey Donaldson: DUP sign reinstated over Stormont expenses rules

The DUP has suspended Sir Jeffrey from the party

A sign with Sir Jeffrey Donaldson's name has been reinstated at a Democratic Unionist Party (DUP) office due to Stormont expenses rules.

The sign was not on display when he quit as DUP leader over historical sex charges.

He has said he will strenuously contest the charges.

It was put up again in the Lagan Valley constituency office after officials warned that not displaying it could breach rules on claiming office costs.

The sign includes Sir Jeffrey's name with those of DUP assembly members (MLAs) Emma Little-Pengelly and Paul Givan, who share the office.

A sign at the DUP's Lagan Valley constituency office in Lisburn

When Sir Jeffrey resigned as DUP leader and was suspended from the party last month an old sign with no names, which is secured to the building, was on display.

DUP sources told BBC News NI that windy weather had blown it off the building in the days prior to the charges against Sir Jeffrey emerging.

Assembly members can recoup expenses for constituency office costs including bills such as rent and rates.

But according to assembly rules "no expense may be recovered" unless the exterior of the constituency office has a sign containing the name of the MLA.

It must also include the words "Member of the Legislative Assembly" or "MLA", as well as the assembly's logo.

The old DUP constituency office sign in Lisburn

BBC News NI had asked the assembly about this at the beginning of April and it provided a statement on the rules on office signage and expenses.

The day after the statement was issued, the Belfast Telegraph reported that a sign containing the names of the MLAs and Sir Jeffrey was back on display outside the Lagan Valley office.

BBC News NI understands Northern Ireland Assembly representatives had contacted the Lagan Valley office about the signage rules.

In a statement, an assembly spokeswoman said: "Once this issue was brought to our attention, a representative from the Northern Ireland Assembly Commission contacted the constituency office to seek clarification around the apparent change of signage and to discuss the requirements.

"The examination of this issue is ongoing."

The DUP and its Lagan Valley office were also approached for comment.