Suspended Rennard threatens Lib Dems with legal action

THE Liberal Democrat peer at the centre of sexual harassment allegations has threatened legal action against the party after being suspended pending new disciplinary proceedings.
Lord RennardLord Rennard
Lord Rennard

Former Lib Dem chief executive Lord Rennard is facing an investigation for bringing the party into disrepute by refusing to apologise to four women who complained about his behaviour, as recommended by an independent report which found last week that the allegations were credible but could not be proved beyond reasonable doubt.

In an impassioned statement, Lord Rennard voiced his “regret” if the women had been hurt, embarrassed or upset, but said he would not apologise for something he had not done.

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His dramatic suspension averted a potential test of the authority of party leader Nick Clegg, coming minutes before Lord Rennard was expected to return to his place in the Upper House.

It was announced that the regional parties committee, which oversees Lib Dem disciplinary procedures, had agreed to suspend his membership while he is investigated for bringing the party into disrepute.

A spokesman for Lord Rennard described the decision as “extraordinary” and said the peer was “taking legal advice with a view to civil action against the party”. Lord Rennard said he was “enormously distressed” by the escalating row and was too unwell to attend Parliament.

Mr Clegg set up a potential clash with his own peers – many of whom sympathise with Lord Rennard – in a round of interviews, in which he said he should not return until he said sorry, saying bluntly: “No apology, no whip.”

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He said the peer should apologise as a matter of “basic decency”, and said readmitting him to the parliamentary party without such an apology would be “in defiance” of his authority.

But he acknowledged he did not have the power to block Lord Rennard’s return, owing to party rules which give the final say to the 99 Lib Dem peers.