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Police drop Lord Rennard sexual misconduct inquiry Police drop Lord Rennard sexual misconduct inquiry
(35 minutes later)
A police inquiry into sexual harassment allegations against the former Lib Dem chief executive Lord Rennard has been dropped due to insufficient evidence, Scotland Yard said on Thursday.A police inquiry into sexual harassment allegations against the former Lib Dem chief executive Lord Rennard has been dropped due to insufficient evidence, Scotland Yard said on Thursday.
The decision will reignite an internal party inquiry which was suspended in March following multiple claims that the peer had behaved improperly towards female members.The decision will reignite an internal party inquiry which was suspended in March following multiple claims that the peer had behaved improperly towards female members.
Rennard, 53, who held several senior posts in the party until 2009 when he resigned due to "health issues", has strenuously denied allegations of improper behaviour.Rennard, 53, who held several senior posts in the party until 2009 when he resigned due to "health issues", has strenuously denied allegations of improper behaviour.
A statement from the Metropolitan police said that officers had met officials from the Liberal Democrats and had spoken to a number of individuals as part on their inquiry.A statement from the Metropolitan police said that officers had met officials from the Liberal Democrats and had spoken to a number of individuals as part on their inquiry.
Officers claimed to have held "early investigative consultation" with the Crown Prosecution Service, but did not refer the case for full advice.Officers claimed to have held "early investigative consultation" with the Crown Prosecution Service, but did not refer the case for full advice.
Rennard was interviewed under caution in June after he voluntarily went to a police station in south London.Rennard was interviewed under caution in June after he voluntarily went to a police station in south London.
Scotland Yard said it was agreed from the beginning that any internal misconduct issues would be referred back to the Lib Dems.Scotland Yard said it was agreed from the beginning that any internal misconduct issues would be referred back to the Lib Dems.
The allegations against Rennard were first broadcast on Channel 4 News in February.The allegations against Rennard were first broadcast on Channel 4 News in February.
Several women, two of whom were named as figures still well-known in political circles, claimed they had been inappropriately touched or propositioned by the party's former election strategist. Several women, two of whom are still well-known in political circles, claimed they had been inappropriately touched or propositioned by the party's former election strategist.
The re-opened party inquiry into the specific allegations against Rennard of sexual misconduct will be conducted by five party members including three women and experts in the law and human resources.The re-opened party inquiry into the specific allegations against Rennard of sexual misconduct will be conducted by five party members including three women and experts in the law and human resources.
A spokesman for the Lib Dems said: "The decision by the police not to prosecute Lord Rennard with a criminal offence means that the party's disciplinary process, led by Alistair Webster QC, can now resume. We consider the allegations made against Lord Rennard, which he strenuously denies, to be extremely serious and we can now continue with our internal inquiry into these allegations."A spokesman for the Lib Dems said: "The decision by the police not to prosecute Lord Rennard with a criminal offence means that the party's disciplinary process, led by Alistair Webster QC, can now resume. We consider the allegations made against Lord Rennard, which he strenuously denies, to be extremely serious and we can now continue with our internal inquiry into these allegations."
Following Scotland Yard's announcement Rennard said: "I am not surprised by the police decision that after a full investigation into the complaints made against me I will face no charges.Following Scotland Yard's announcement Rennard said: "I am not surprised by the police decision that after a full investigation into the complaints made against me I will face no charges.
"The last eight months have been harrowing and deeply unpleasant for me, my wife Ann, my family and friends."The last eight months have been harrowing and deeply unpleasant for me, my wife Ann, my family and friends.
"I am enormously thankful for the unfailing support I have received from people across the political spectrum but especially those within the Liberal Democrats who have stood by me throughout.""I am enormously thankful for the unfailing support I have received from people across the political spectrum but especially those within the Liberal Democrats who have stood by me throughout."
A separate inquiry into Lib Dem party procedures for dealing with sex harassment complaints was conducted by the businesswoman Helena Morrissey.A separate inquiry into Lib Dem party procedures for dealing with sex harassment complaints was conducted by the businesswoman Helena Morrissey.
This inquiry was launched after it emerged that the MP Mike Hancock, who was elected on a Lib Dem ticket, was being sued for allegedly sexually assaulting and harassing a vulnerable female constituent – an allegation that he denies.This inquiry was launched after it emerged that the MP Mike Hancock, who was elected on a Lib Dem ticket, was being sued for allegedly sexually assaulting and harassing a vulnerable female constituent – an allegation that he denies.
Morrissey criticised the roles of the deputy prime minister as well as the chief secretary to the Treasury, Danny Alexander, equalities minister Jo Swinson, and the health minister Paul Burstow for failing to launch a formal investigation after alleged victims came forward.Morrissey criticised the roles of the deputy prime minister as well as the chief secretary to the Treasury, Danny Alexander, equalities minister Jo Swinson, and the health minister Paul Burstow for failing to launch a formal investigation after alleged victims came forward.
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