Nightmare for Lib Dems as conference overshadowed by shocking arrest
A 57-year-old man from Bristol was arrested in relation to an alleged incident in the early hours of Tuesday but has since been released, Sussex Police said.
The Lib Dem conference was thrown into chaos after a man was arrested on suspicion of sexual assault on the final night - before being released without futher action.
Sussex Police said a 57-year-old man from Bristol had been arrested in relation to an alleged incident in the early hours of Tuesday at The Grand Hotel but has since been released.
In a statement on Wednesday, police said they had completed a number of inquiries, including looking at the CCTV footage available and witness accounts.
A spokesman for the force said: “Following further engagement with the victim and an interview with the man under caution, a decision was made to release him with no further action to be taken."
Insp Dan Eagle said: “Sussex Police are committed to tackling reports of sexual assaults and violence against women and girls (VAWG).
Our community members are treated to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. You can check out at any time. Read our Privacy Policy
“Officers took robust action in investigating this incident. It has been concluded, pending any further information coming to light.”
A spokesperson for the party said: “We were horrified to hear of this incident and assisted the police in swiftly identifying and arresting this man.
“He remains suspended from the party and this case will now be assessed under our independent complaints process.”
DON'T MISS:
Angela Rayner given more than £2,000 worth of free clothes from luxury brand [REPORT]
Get the latest politics updates from our free Politics WhatsApp [INSIGHT]
Far-right poised to sweep to victory in major EU country in matter of days [LATEST]
Critics of the Independent Complaints and Grievance Scheme - which currently only covers the parliamentary estate - argue it should also have oversight of venues people attend as part of their work, especially party conferences, Politico reports.
The party's conference began on Saturday and ended with Sir Ed Davey closing the show with a keynote speech on Tuesday.
Sir Ed announced he would push for a new Winterproof NHS Taskforce, which would manage a £1.5billion budget to build resilience across hospital wards, accident and emergency departments, ambulance services and patient discharging.
"We will urge the Government to act faster and be much bolder, because the challenges we face cannot be solved by burying our heads in the sand and pretending they don't exist - like the Conservatives do," he told members.
"But nor can they be solved with the pessimism and defeatism we're hearing from Labour. They will be solved the way Britain has always done in the past, by rising to our challenges with guts, determination, and hope."
