The Liberal Democrats have commissioned a review into the treatment of individuals holding religious views within the party. This move comes weeks after reports of a religious discrimination claim against the party by former candidate David Campanale.
Lord Newby, a former Lib Dem leader, has been appointed to chair the party’s “Inclusion and Faith Review”. The inquiry will examine how the party treats candidates and members of different faiths, and those without.
The review was set up in “direct response” to Campanale’s case. Campanale, a former BBC journalist, was selected as the party’s candidate for Sutton and Cheam in 2021 but was removed in August 2023. He has argued that discrimination against his Christianity led to the loss of his political career and is seeking almost £790,000 in damages.
The Newby review was announced to party members via email last week by Lib Dem leader Ed Davey and president Josh Babarinde, ahead of the party conference in Brighton. It will investigate whether candidate approval, selection, and deselection processes are inclusive, if candidates receive adequate support, and the operation of complaints and disciplinary processes.