A former Liberal Democrat leader has said the party needs to take action over claims of anti-Christian discrimination within its ranks to stop similar cases happening again.
Tim Farron said the party had failed David Campanale, a prospective parliamentary candidate who was allegedly forced out after being “mocked and abused” over his Christian beliefs.
The Liberal Democrats have already admitted to several counts of unlawful discrimination against Mr Campanale and agreed to pay damages. The case is due back in court tomorrow to decide how much compensation should be awarded.
Speaking to The Telegraph, Mr Farron said he had “always found the Liberal Democrats to be a welcoming home for all faiths” and that the party had supported him when his own religious beliefs came under scrutiny.
However, he added: “In this particular case, it is clear that the party did not get this right.
“It is right that the party now takes steps so that this can never be allowed to happen again – to anyone of any protected characteristic including Christians.”
His remarks are understood to be the first public comment from any Liberal Democrat MP on the case.
Mr Campanale was selected as a prospective parliamentary candidate in December 2021 but says he faced immediate pressure to step down. He claims the campaign against him was driven mainly by hostility to his Christian beliefs.
At least six complaints were filed during what one local party chair described as a “concerted and organised campaign” in a “febrile atmosphere”.
Critics focused on his past membership of the Christian People’s Alliance, which opposes abortion and same-sex marriage.
Some complaints, later dismissed, alleged he had “made contributions defending Christian values”.
His legal team said he was “mocked and abused in relation to his beliefs” and that one remark asked whether he was “enjoying his martyrdom like Jesus did”.
He was eventually removed from the selection process in August 2023 and later launched legal action in 2024, arguing that complaints raised within the party were not properly investigated.
The Liberal Democrats initially denied wrongdoing, saying they had the right to deselect candidates whose religious beliefs did not align with party values.
However, once proceedings began, the party admitted it had “unlawfully discriminated” against Mr Campanale on the basis of his protected beliefs, breaching the Equality Act.
Olivia Honeyman, chair of the Liberal Democrat Christian Forum, said Mr Campanale had taken the case “to establish a simple principle – that political parties are not above the law.”
Former justice minister Sir Simon Hughes called for an “unqualified official apology” from the party, saying Christians must be free to hold and express their beliefs on matters of conscience while participating in democratic politics.
A Liberal Democrat spokesperson said: “This is an ongoing legal case so it would not be appropriate to comment.
“The Liberal Democrats are home to people of all faiths and none, including many Christians.
“Three Liberal Democrat MPs in neighbouring seats to Sutton and Cheam are practising Christians, including party leader Ed Davey.”
