Nick Clegg last night admitted that he knew of concerns about alleged harassment of women by a senior Liberal Democrat colleague.
It is critical they are investigated thoroughly and dealt with properly
The UK’s deputy prime minister said his office had heard of “indirect and non-specific” claims about Lord Rennard’s conduct in 2008, and “acted to deal with them”.
“My Chief of Staff at the time, Danny Alexander, put these concerns to Chris Rennard and warned him that any such behaviour was wholly unacceptable,” Mr Clegg said.
“Chris Rennard categorically denied that he had behaved inappropriately and he continues to do so. He subsequently resigned as chief executive on health grounds.
“As my office only received concerns indirectly and anonymously, as those involved wanted to maintain their privacy, there was a limit to how we could take this matter forward following Chris Rennard’s resignation.”
Lord Rennard - a key party strategist and adviser to a succession of Lib Dem leaders – said he is “deeply shocked” by the claims, which he “strongly disputes” and called a “total distortion” of his character.
The Liberal Democrat leader said the allegations made on Channel 4 News last Thursday had been “extremely serious and distressing to the women involved”.
“It is critical they are investigated thoroughly and dealt with properly and they will be,” he insisted.