Scotland Yard quiz 'sex pest' Lib Dem Lord Rennard
DETECTIVES revealed last night that a formal inquiry has been opened into allegations of sexual harassment by Liberal Democrat peer Lord Rennard.
A string of female party members have accused him of touching their legs and making inappropriate suggestions. He has denied the allegations, which stretch back to up to 10 years ago.
Officers carry out inquiries to corroborate those allegations. In this case that process is ongoing.
A Scotland Yard spokesman said: “As is standard in cases of an historic nature, officers’ initial inquiries are made to establish if allegations of crime are being made and if there are potential victims and witnesses who are prepared to speak to police.
“Officers then carry out inquiries to corroborate those allegations. In this case that process is ongoing.”
The Lib Dems are also investigating the claims and scrutinising their own handling of the complaints. Earlier this year party leader Nick Clegg said he would “not provide a running commentary on every shred of speculation”.
Lord Rennard stood down as Lib Dem chief executive on health grounds in 2008.