Senior Lib Dem peer Lord Lester, 81, resigns

A Liberal Democrat peer quit his frontbench role last night over allegations of sexual harassment.

Lord Lester of Herne Hill also agreed to withdraw from the party whip while an investigation is carried out into the claims by the House of Lords Commissioner for Standards.

The peer – an architect of Britain’s race and sex equality laws – told a newspaper that he adamantly denied the historic allegations and would ‘vigorously contest’ them.

The ‘sex-for-favours’ claims reportedly relate to inappropriate behaviour a number of years ago.

Lord Lester, pictured above participating in a Facebook Live session in 2016, faces allegations of groping a supporter and offering to pass legislation for sex 

The Sun reported that a female campaigner has accused the 81-year-old peer of repeatedly trying to grope her after she approached him for help to pass legislation.

She also claimed he offered her his full backing only if she agreed to a sexual relationship.

A Lib Dem spokesman said: ‘Anthony Lester has withdrawn himself as a spokesperson in the Lords and membership of the Liberal Democrat group in the Lords whilst the investigation by the House of Lords Standards Commissioner is ongoing.’

It is not the first time the Lib Dems have faced allegations of sexual harassment.

Lord Lester, 81, a prominent QC, was the party's spokesman on human rights. He has firmly denied claims 

Lord Lester, 81, a prominent QC, was the party’s spokesman on human rights. He has firmly denied claims 

Senior peer Lord Rennard, formerly the party’s chief executive, faced similar claims from a number of women a few years ago.

Lord Lester, 81, a prominent QC, was the party’s spokesman on human rights.

The commissioner for standards lists the peer as the subject of one of its current inquiries.

It says an investigation is being carried out into an ‘alleged breach of the code in relation to personal honour’.

A spokesman for Lord Lester told The Sun: ‘Lord Lester has a long and distinguished record as a champion of human rights and sex equality and has a right to be treated fairly and under due process.

‘He will vigorously contest the allegation.

‘In the meantime he has withdrawn himself from his position as a spokesperson in the Lords and from his membership of the Liberal Democrat group in the Lords until this issue is resolved.’

The Lords’ Commissioner for Standards Lucy Scott-Moncrieff launched a full investigation into the claims last week.

The Sun was told the alleged harassment took place some years ago.

Former senior CPS prosecutor Nazir Afzal, who is a witness in the case, described the inquiry as ‘unprecedented’. 



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