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Lib Dems: No action against Rennard over sex harassment claims No action against Lib Dem Rennard over sex harassment claims
(35 minutes later)
The Lib Dems have said there is insufficient evidence to justify further action against peer Lord Rennard over sexual harassment claims.The Lib Dems have said there is insufficient evidence to justify further action against peer Lord Rennard over sexual harassment claims.
Following an internal inquiry into allegations made by several women, the party concluded the evidence against the peer was "broadly credible" but not sufficient to proceed. Following an internal inquiry into allegations made by activists, the Lib Dems concluded the evidence against the peer was "broadly credible".
The BBC's Norman Smith said it was felt there was less than a 50% chance that assault charges could be proved. But the party concluded that there was less than a 50% chance that harassment charges could be proved.
Lord Rennard has denied the claims. But Lord Rennard, who has denied the claims, has been asked to apologise.
The Metropolitan Police has already decided not to take any action against the former Lib Dem chief executive after a number of women accused him of making unwanted sexual advances and touching them inappropriately.
The Lib Dems' own inquiry concluded that there was broadly credible evidence of "behaviour which violated the personal space and autonomy of the complainants".
But its chair QC Alistair Webster concluded it was "unlikely that it could be established beyond reasonable doubt that Lord Rennard had intended to act in an indecent or sexually inappropriate way".
'Reflect on actions'
The Lib Dem peer said he was glad that "justice had been done" and thanked all those who had supported him since the allegations were first publicly made in Channel 4 documentary last February.
"I am pleased that this brings to an end all investigations concerning allegations made against me," he said.
"My wife Ann and I are very grateful to our families and many friends both inside and outside the Liberal Democrats who have shown unwavering support throughout.
"I now look forward to resuming my roles within the Liberal Democrats."
Lib Dem President Tim Farron called on Lord Rennard to apologise to the women involved.
"While this process has not found to a criminal standard of proof that Lord Rennard acted with indecent intent, it is clear that he did not behave in the way that a chief executive should behave," he said.
"Lord Rennard must reflect on his actions and apologise to the women involved."