The new leader of the DUP has described charges of historical sex offences against Jeffrey Donaldson as a "devastating revelation" for the party.
Mr Donaldson quit as leader of the Democratic Unionist Party after being charged with historical sexual offences.
In a statement issued shortly before 1pm yesterday, the DUP's ruling party officer team announced that Mr Donaldson was stepping down with immediate effect.
"It has been a devastating revelation and has caused tremendous shock not just for myself personally or my colleagues within the DUP, but for the community right across Northern Ireland," new leader Gavin Robinson said.
"It came as a great shock. But we are a party and individuals that believe in justice, we have faith in our criminal justice system."
Mr Robinson said the party became aware of the allegations "very late" on Thursday.
He told Sky News: "So, in the coming days and months I think it is important none of us say anything or act in any way that would seek to prejudice what is now an ongoing criminal investigation."
Northern Ireland's First Minister, Sinn Féin's Michelle O'Neill has said her priority is to "ensure the four-party Executive coalition delivers for the whole of our community now and in the future".
Ms O'Neill said that her "priority is to continue to provide the leadership the public expect and deserve".
She added that it is "now a matter for the criminal justice system".
Meanwhile the leader of the Ulster Unionist Party has said that "the leadership of the DUP is a matter for the DUP".
Doug Beattie issued a statement said that "although the circumstances are of concern and in the public interest, we are mindful that this is now a criminal investigation, and it would not be proper to comment further.
"In all matters of this nature, we must first and foremost consider the victims and what impact media and public attention will have on them," he added.
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A Government spokesperson said they are "aware of developments" and the Government "stands ready to work with Mr Robinson, who has now been appointed as interim leader of his party".
TUV leader Jim Allister said Mr Donaldson's resignation has "very wide ramifications for unionism".
He said: "The damage is not limited to his party but impacts unionism as a whole.
"Unionism was already divided by the Donaldson deal. This needs to be a cathartic moment for unionism.
"Unionism must steady itself and cut adrift the Donaldson folly of accepting an Irish Sea border and rule by EU law."
Donaldson resignation follows almost 40 years in politics
An Alliance party spokesman said: "Our thoughts and sympathies are with those who have been victim to any kind of abuse, and for whom these reports may be incredibly distressing.
"Given that there is now an active criminal investigation under way, we do not feel it would be appropriate to comment any further at this time."
Julian Smith, former Northern secretary of state, said Mr Donaldson's resignation was a "big shock to everybody".
He told BBC Radio 4's World at One: "I'm not concerned in any way that this shocking news today will lead to any change in the momentum behind power-sharing, and the stability that has now brought as it was returned a couple of months ago."
"In this leadership role he has played a critical part over the last few months.
"He led the negotiations with the government, and he worked with his own party to move them from their position of staying out of the executive on the basis that they didn't agree with the Northern Ireland protocol to returning."
On X, formerly Twitter, he also said the selection of new DUP interim leader Gavin Robinson was a "very positive decision".
Mr Smith said Mr Robinson and deputy First Minister Emma Little-Pengelly played a key role in restoring power-sharing and "will chart a positive course for the future".
