Sir Jeffrey has denied the allegations and currently holds no role within the DUP. It is unknown if Sir Jeffrey will resign his Lagan Valley Westminster seat, which could trigger a by-election, and the DUP is looking for a new candidate for the seat in case of a general election.

Gavin Robinson, the interim DUP leader from East Belfast, was caught off guard by the public allegations against Sir Jeffrey the previous evening.

He acknowledged the shock and disappointment this would cause throughout Northern Ireland.

However, Robinson emphasized that as a collective, they had a responsibility to provide leadership, hope, and vision to their communities.

He acknowledged that there might be additional pressure on him, but he believed he had the capacity to handle it with "big broad shoulders." Robinson had already spoken to former DUP leaders Peter Robinson and Arlene Foster since assuming the interim leadership role.

The past 10 days have been challenging, but DUP leader is focusing on moving forward and representing Northern Ireland.

DUP Deputy First Minister Emma Little-Pengelly is determined to provide stability and discuss the program for government and budget.

First Minister Michelle O'Neill of Sinn Fein also sees it as business as usual for the Northern Ireland Executive.

The leaders are emphasizing the need to come together and move forward despite recent difficulties.

After the first in-person meeting of the North-South Ministerial Council in Armagh since 2016, a 57-year-old woman has been charged with aiding and abetting offenses that Sir Jeffrey, also present at the meeting, is accused of.

Both are scheduled to appear in court this month.

Last week, Sir Jeffrey, who is also an East Belfast MP, described the previous week as "incredibly difficult and shocking." However, he urged that the news should not distract from their important responsibilities as unionism and Northern Ireland representatives.