There have been calls to immediately revoke Sir Jeffrey Donaldson’s knighthood.
Donaldson was found guilty at Newry Crown Court of 18 historical sexual offences against two women when they were children.
The former Democratic Unionist Party leader, 63, was appointed to the Privy Council in 2007 and was recognised by the late Queen Elizabeth II in her 2016 Birthday Honours and given a knighthood.
Current DUP leader Gavin Robinson was among senior unionists calling for Donaldson’s knighthood and membership of the Privy Council to be removed.
Ulster Unionist leader Jon Burrows also said all state honours previously bestowed on Donaldson should be removed “without delay”.
He said: “There is no rank, no title and no past office that places anyone above the law.
“Jeffrey Donaldson abused his power and betrayed everyone who ever placed their faith in him.
“He must now be stripped of all state honours without delay: no honour of the state should remain in the hands of a man convicted of crimes of this nature.
Traditional Unionist Voice leader Jim Allister said he had tabled a motion in the House of Commons which would call on the Prime Minister to recommend to the King that Donaldson’s knighthood be removed.
Honours can be removed with the approval of the King after the advice and consideration of the Forfeiture Committee, which is convened under the Cabinet Office.
As honour recipients are expected to be good citizens and role models, honours can be removed from those found guilty of criminal offences or those who bring the honour system into disrepute.
The committee will consider cases in the wake of legal proceedings and anyone convicted for sexual offences will automatically be considered for forfeiture.
This process also applies for anyone found to have committed a sexual act following a trial of the facts.
There is no time restriction on offences the committee will consider.
The body’s recommendations for forfeiture are submitted through the Prime Minister to the King.
If the King gives his approval, a notice of forfeiture is usually published on the Government website and placed in the London Gazette.
The Cabinet office said those who have their honour removed are asked to return their insignia to Buckingham Palace and can no longer make any reference to their having an honour in the future.
This would include use of the honour post-nominals on websites, publications or business cards.
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