Liberal Democrats Suspend Peer Chris Rennard Amid New Harassment Inquiry
The Liberal Democrat peer Chris Rennard has been suspended from the party membership and had the party whip withdrawn in the House of Lords, as the party initiates a new investigation into longstanding sexual harassment allegations. This decision follows recent legal advice indicating that a previous inquiry conducted in 2013 was fundamentally flawed in multiple respects, prompting a renewed scrutiny of the case.
Background and Allegations
Chris Rennard, a former chief executive of the Liberal Democrats who was awarded a life peerage in 1999, has faced allegations from four women regarding inappropriate behaviour. The original claims, which surfaced in 2013, accused Rennard of violating personal space and autonomy, though he has consistently denied any wrongdoing. In response to the allegations, Rennard previously expressed regret if he had "inadvertently encroached" upon anyone's personal space, while maintaining that the accusations could not be substantiated.
Flawed 2013 Investigation
The party has now acknowledged that the 2013 investigation led by senior lawyer Alistair Webster KC was deficient. While Webster's review concluded there was less than a 50% chance of proving the case beyond reasonable doubt, it also noted there was "broadly credible" evidence of behaviour that compromised the complainants' personal boundaries. However, the investigation's shortcomings have led to calls for a more thorough and transparent process, with Liberal Democrat leader Ed Davey emphasising that Rennard should not retain his position in the House of Lords and advocating for reforms to facilitate the expulsion of peers for serious misconduct.
Reactions from Complainants
Three of the women involved in the original allegations—Alison Goldsworthy, Alison Smith, and Bridget Harris—have welcomed the suspension as a positive step, describing it as "the first signs of change" within the party. In a joint statement, they expressed hope that the new investigation would finally resolve the matter, noting their initial motivation was to ensure a safer environment for women in politics. The fourth complainant, Susan Gaszczak, resigned from the party in 2014, citing dissatisfaction with the handling of the case and alleging that Rennard had invited her to his hotel room to discuss career advancement.
Rennard's Defence
In response to the suspension, Chris Rennard has pointed to a series of prior investigations that he claims exonerated him. He highlighted that the Metropolitan Police Service conducted a thorough investigation in 2013, deciding not to pursue criminal charges, and that independent legal reviews in 2013 and 2014 found insufficient evidence for disciplinary action. Rennard asserts that these outcomes validate his position and criticises the new inquiry as unnecessary given the previous conclusions.
Implications and Next Steps
The Liberal Democrats have stated that the new investigation will re-examine the allegations with greater rigour, aiming to address the flaws identified in the 2013 process. This move reflects broader societal and political pressures to address misconduct allegations more effectively, particularly in the wake of the #MeToo movement. The outcome could have significant implications for Rennard's political future and the party's internal governance, as it seeks to rebuild trust and demonstrate a commitment to accountability.
