Liberal Democrats Admit Religious Discrimination in Candidate Deselection

The Liberal Democrats admitted to multiple counts of unlawful religious discrimination against David Campanale, a Christian journalist deselected as the party's candidate for Sutton and Cheam ahead of the 2024 general election. The Independent reported that the admissions covered actions by a rival Campanale had defeated in the selection race, as well as statements from current Sutton and Cheam MP Luke Taylor, the local association, and party leadership.

Sir Simon Hughes, who served as deputy leader from 2010 to 2014 and is a former MP and party president, issued a statement calling for an independent inquiry into the deselection.

He said the party must respect that Christians, like those of other faiths, are entitled to live and vote in accordance with their beliefs on matters of conscience such as termination of life before birth and for dying adults. Hughes added that people with religious faith are as much needed in British politics now as ever and that he supports an inquiry conducted by someone outside the party.

A court hearing to determine damages and legal costs is scheduled for this week at the London County Court.

A Liberal Democrat spokesperson said the party is home to people of all faiths and none, noting that three MPs in seats neighboring Sutton and Cheam, including leader Sir Ed Davey, are practising Christians. The bishops of Winchester and Guildford and former Archbishop of Canterbury Rowan Williams raised the Campanale case during the general election.

The Independent reported separate incidents involving the party, including claims that Tim Farron resigned as leader over his Christian faith, a lost case against a women's group barred from conference over transgender views, and a pending court appearance by founding member Jo Hayes over her 2022 expulsion.