Lib Dems to investigate member accused of groping woman at party conference
The Lib Dems confirmed the accused 57-year-old member has been suspended and it has launched an internal investigation into the incident
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.The Liberal Democrats are investigating a member accused of groping a woman at the party’s annual conference after the police said no further action would be taken.
On the last night of the party’s autumn get-together, which sees activists sing political parodies of popular songs at its traditional glee club celebration, a man is alleged to have touched a young woman’s bottom at around midnight on Tuesday at The Grand Hotel in Brighton.
The party confirmed the accused 57-year-old member has been suspended and it has launched an internal investigation into the incident.
A man was escorted from the venue by private security staff and later arrested by Sussex Police. In a statement on Wednesday, Sussex Police said inquiries had been completed including reviewing CCTV footage and witness accounts.
The force added that it engaged with the complainant and interviewed the man before deciding to release him with no further action.
Inspector Dan Eagle said: “Sussex Police are committed to tackling reports of sexual assaults and violence against women and girls.
“Officers took robust action in investigating this incident. It has been concluded, pending any further information coming to light.”
The Liberal Democrats said in a statement: “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."
The conference saw the party gather for the first time since its most successful general election in which it won 72 MPs.
Lib Dem leader Sir Ed Davey arrived at the gathering riding a jetski on Saturday morning before performing a series of publicity stunts and criticising the Conservatives and the Labour government.