Liberal Democrats Decline to Reopen Chris Rennard Harassment Case

An independent panel of the Liberal Democrats has ruled that sexual harassment allegations against peer Chris Rennard cannot be reopened. The decision concludes a nine-month effort by the party to reassess Rennard's conduct after receiving advice that a 2013 investigation into claims made by four women was flawed.

Liberal Democrat leader Ed Davey expressed disappointment and upset over the conclusion, stating that the complainants were "let down again," though he maintained confidence in the party's current independent complaints system.

Rennard, a former party chief executive, argued that the attempt to reopen the investigation should never have occurred and criticized the party for the damage caused by the process. He noted that previous police and legal inquiries, including a 2013 review by Alistair Webster KC, concluded the allegations could not be proved. While Webster found broadly credible evidence of behavior violating the complainants' personal space, the current panel found no new evidence to justify a reinvestigation.