Lib Dems face call for inquiry into deselection of election candidate
Summary
The Liberal Democrats admitted they unlawfully discriminated against David Campanale, a former BBC journalist, by deselecting him as their candidate because of his Christian beliefs before the 2024 election. A court is now deciding what compensation Campanale should receive, and the party faces calls for an independent investigation into the incident.Key Facts
- David Campanale was initially chosen to run for Parliament in Sutton and Cheam but was removed before the 2024 election due to his religion.
- The Liberal Democrats admitted the discrimination was unlawful under the Equality Act, which protects religious beliefs.
- Campanale said party members mocked and abused him because of his Christian views.
- He was also told not to campaign in certain areas where activists opposed his beliefs.
- The Liberal Democrat Christian Forum wants an independent inquiry into the deselection.
- Former Liberal Democrat leader Tim Farron called for steps to prevent such discrimination in the future.
- The party’s complaints process is under scrutiny, with demands for quicker and independent reviews of discrimination claims.
- The party has faced similar discrimination claims before, including a £14,000 payment to another former candidate over gender-critical views.
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