Liberal Democrats Admit Religious Discrimination in £788,000 Lawsuit

The Liberal Democrats admitted to direct and indirect discrimination under the Equality Act in a civil case brought by David Campanale, a former candidate for Sutton and Cheam. Campanale is suing the party in a Central London county court for £788,740.75, alleging that discrimination against his Christianity ended his political career.

Campanale claims he was mocked and excluded from campaign leaflets. He further alleges that Luke Taylor, the candidate who replaced him, told him a secular party was being built with no place for Christians. While the party admitted to the discrimination and a failure to address his complaints, it disputes the damages. The party described the claim as grossly inflated and egregious, proposing a payment of £14,000 for injury to feelings instead.

Former party leaders Tim Farron and Simon Hughes have called for an independent inquiry into the matter. Farron stated that there had been manifest discrimination against Campanale and that party figures at all levels failed to intervene.