Lib Dems lift suspension of peer Lord Rennard

 
Allegations: Lord Rennard has had his suspension lifted (Picture: PA)
Press Association20 August 2014
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The Liberal Democrats have lifted the suspension of Lord Rennard after disciplinary action linked to allegations of pestering women was dropped.

Party authorities did not proceed over accusations the former chief executive brought the Lib Dems into disrepute by failing to apologise.

An investigation last year concluded the evidence against Lord Rennard was “credible” but wrongdoing could not be proved by reasonable doubt.

Mr Webster urged the peer to "reflect upon the effect that his behaviour has had and the distress which it caused and that an apology would be appropriate".

However, Lord Rennard refused to say sorry immediately - complaining that he had not even been allowed to see the full version of the QC's report.

He was suspended pending disciplinary action for bringing the party into disrepute by not heeding Mr Webster's suggestion.

It was not until May that Lord Rennard paved the way for his reinstatement by conceding he may have "inadvertently" encroached upon "personal space", saying he wanted to "apologise sincerely for any such intrusion".

A party spokesman said: "The Regional Parties Committee met this week to consider whether the party had been brought into disrepute by statements made by Lord Rennard, or on his behalf, following the publication of Alistair Webster's conclusions.

"It decided not to proceed with the disciplinary process against him.

"This brings the matter to a close and means the suspension of his membership is lifted."

The lifting of his suspension - allowing him to resume the Lib Dem whip in the Lords - is likely to anger critics who have been demanding his immediate expulsion.

Party president Tim Farron said: "The Liberal Democrats have worked hard in the last 18 months to fundamentally change the way our party treats these matters.

"We asked Helena Morrissey to review our party's culture and practices and her report helped us to recognise our failings and set about correcting them.

"We have changed our rules and codes of conduct at every level, from grassroots members to parliamentarians so that everyone involved in the party is aware of their rights and responsibilities.

"No one should ever have to feel that their concerns are being dismissed or ignored and I am clear that the Liberal Democrats should become the 'gold standard' for how voluntary organisations treat their members and staff."

In a statement, Lord Rennard said he was "pleased" with the result and stressed he remained a "committed" Lib Dem member.

He said: "All allegations made about me have now been investigated thoroughly, including by the Metropolitan Police, and fell at the first hurdle as to whether or not there was sufficient evidence to proceed further. The English Appeals Panel confirmed in July that I could not be criticised over my reaction to the previous report by Alistair Webster QC, as I was not given sight of the report for 11 weeks.

"The worst that might be said of me in that report was that I may have inadvertently encroached on the personal space of some of the complainants, and I apologised for this to all four of them. I remain a committed member of the Liberal Democrats and a strong believer in the principles of the party, as set out in the constitution, and based on the values that led me to join the Liberal Party in my teens."

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