Liberal Democrats Launch Review Into Religious Discrimination Claims

The Liberal Democrats have commissioned a review into the treatment of members and candidates with religious views. The move follows a discrimination claim by David Campanale, a former BBC journalist and candidate for Sutton and Cheam, who alleges that discrimination against his Christianity led to his removal from candidacy in August 2023.

Campanale is seeking approximately £790,000 in damages. The party has already admitted to failures in handling complaints as well as direct and indirect discrimination. Richard Newby, the former party leader in the House of Lords, will chair the review, which focuses on disciplinary processes and the selection and deselection of candidates.

Party leader Ed Davey and president Josh Babarinde announced the initiative to members via email. However, the response has been mixed. Some party sources have characterized the review as a ploy to impress a court judge, criticizing the absence of a formal public announcement or an apology to victims. Simon Hughes, a former deputy leader, welcomed the review as a way to meet key objectives but noted that it is not intended to address the specific legal case involving Campanale, which remains before the courts.