# Panel rules out further inquiry into sexual harassment claims against Lib Dem peer Chris Rennard

- URL: https://talkfuse.com/story/panel-rules-out-further-inquiry-into-sexual-harassment-claims-against-lib-dem-peer-chris-rennard/
- Published: 2026-11-03T18:03:07+00:00
- Updated: 2026-11-03T20:39:51+00:00
- Original publisher: The Guardian (publisher lean: Left)
- Original article: https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2026/nov/03/inquiry-sexual-harassment-claims-lib-dem-peer-chris-rennard
- Topics: Culture, World

## Key points

- Panel says the case cannot be reopened without new evidence.
- Davey expressed disappointment at the decision.
- Four women made complaints against Rennard.

## Summary

An independent panel has ruled that the Liberal Democrats cannot reopen sexual harassment allegations against peer Chris Rennard without new evidence. Party leader Ed Davey said he was “disappointed and upset”, while Rennard argued that the decision showed the renewed investigation should not have taken place.

The party asked three independent adjudicators to reassess the case after receiving advice that a 2013 inquiry had been flawed in several respects. The original complaints were made by four women; a review by Alistair Webster KC found broadly credible evidence of behaviour that violated their personal space, but judged there was less than a 50% chance of proving the case beyond reasonable doubt. Police and other inquiries did not prove the allegations, which Rennard has denied, while Davey says he lacks the power to remove him from the party or the House of Lords.

---
Summarised by TalkFuse (https://talkfuse.com/). Quote the original publisher for the reporting and link this page for the summary and discussion.