Liberal Democrat Peer Suspended Amid New Sexual Harassment Investigation
Veteran peer Lord Rennard has been suspended from the Liberal Democrats after the party initiated a fresh investigation into longstanding sexual harassment allegations. The party confirmed it has received legal advice indicating that a previous 2013 investigation into claims made by four women was fundamentally flawed in several critical respects.
Party Leadership Takes Firm Stance
Liberal Democrat leader Sir Ed Davey has made his position unequivocally clear, stating that Lord Rennard should not retain his membership in the House of Lords. The party further emphasised that procedures for expelling peers for serious misconduct should be streamlined and made more effective. A party spokeswoman elaborated that Rennard has had both the Liberal Democrat whip in the House of Lords and his party membership suspended pending the outcome of this new inquiry.
Historical Context and Previous Investigations
Lord Rennard, who previously served as the Liberal Democrats' chief executive, has pointed to a series of prior investigations by police and independent lawyers which did not result in any findings of wrongdoing. In 2013, the Metropolitan Police Service conducted what was described by one complainant as a thorough and professional investigation, ultimately deciding not to refer the case to the Crown Prosecution Service.
Subsequently, an independent review led by senior lawyer Alistair Webster KC concluded that there was insufficient evidence to proceed with a disciplinary hearing, though his report noted there was broadly credible evidence of behaviour that violated the personal space and autonomy of the complainants.
Complainants Respond to New Development
Three of the women involved in the original allegations—Alison Smith, Bridget Harris, and Alison Goldsworthy—issued a joint statement welcoming the party's latest actions. They described the move as the first signs of meaningful change, expressing hope that the new steps would finally bring the matter to a just resolution. The women originally spoke out in 2013 with the aim of creating a safer environment for future generations of women in politics, though they did not anticipate the process would take so long.
Lord Rennard's Defence and Ongoing Proceedings
In response to his suspension, Lord Rennard reiterated that all allegations against him have been extensively investigated on multiple occasions without any disciplinary action being upheld. He referenced the Webster report's conclusion and a subsequent independent investigation in 2014 which found no grounds for disciplinary measures, leading to the termination of all party action against him at that time.
The Liberal Democrats have now committed to conducting a comprehensive new investigation, acknowledging the deficiencies identified in their previous processes. This development marks a significant moment in the party's handling of historical misconduct allegations and its commitment to accountability within the political sphere.
