UK Lib Dems quietly launch review into treatment of religious members amid discrimination case
The Liberal Democrats have quietly set up a review into how the party treats people of faith, following a religious discrimination claim by former candidate David Campanale. Former Lib Dem Lords leader Richard Newby will chair the inquiry.
The UK Liberal Democrats have quietly commissioned a review into how the party treats members and candidates who hold religious views, following a religious discrimination claim brought against the party by former candidate David Campanale.
Campanale, a former BBC journalist, was selected in 2021 as the party's candidate for Sutton and Cheam but was removed from the role in August 2023. In a civil case against the party, he argues that discrimination against his Christian faith cost him his political career. The party has admitted both direct and indirect discrimination on grounds of religion or belief, as well as failures in handling complaints about his treatment. Campanale is seeking almost £790,000 in damages — precisely £788,740.75 — covering injury to feelings, lost earnings and loss of political capital, among other claims.
Purpose of the review
The review was set up in direct response to Campanale's case, and senior party figures are understood to want to demonstrate they take the issue seriously. It will be chaired by Richard Newby, the former Liberal Democrat leader in the House of Lords, and will examine whether candidate approval, selection and deselection processes are inclusive of different faiths, alongside the handling of complaints, disciplinary processes and training for local party officers.
Party members were informed of the review via an email from leader Ed Davey and party president Josh Babarinde shortly before the start of the party's conference in Brighton. Former leader Tim Farron and former deputy leader Simon Hughes had previously called for an independent inquiry and an apology to Campanale.
Some party sources have criticised the review as an attempt to influence the court ahead of a damages ruling, noting that no apology has been offered to those affected. Others have raised concerns about the review's scope, including whether it will also address the party's treatment of people holding other protected beliefs, such as gender-critical views.
