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Rennard – who knew what and when? And why did he quit?
“This newspaper [The Telegraph] contacted Jonny Oates, who is now the Deputy Prime Minister’s chief of staff, in April 2010 with five specific allegations of incidents allegedly involving Lord Rennard. The disclosure will add to the growing pressure on the Liberal Democrat leader who said last night that his office had only been aware of “non-specific” allegations surrounding the peer until last week.” – The Telegraph
“Senior Liberal Democrats suggested for the first time on Monday that Lord Rennard had not stood down as the party’s chief executive for health reasons, but after pressure from Nick Clegg’s office and the then party president over general allegations of sexual impropriety.” – Guardian
“The Liberal Democrats have slumped to their lowest rating in a national opinion poll, as the party struggles against claims of a cover-up surrounding the alleged behaviour of its former chief executive, Lord Rennard. The party is on just 8%, down two points from last month, while Ukip is on 9%, according to a survey for the Independent by ComRes. The poll shows Labour up four points on 43% and the Conservatives on 31%, down one point. Other parties are unchanged on 9%.” – Guardian
“Scotland Yard says it is looking at “whether or not criminal activity has taken place” after claims of sexual impropriety by former Liberal Democrat chief executive Lord Rennard. In a statement on its website, the Met said its Specialist Investigations Command had been “approached by officials in the Liberal Democrat Party following recent media reporting”.” – BBC
Electricians hit hardest by blacklisting
“A study by the GMB union has broken down the victims by their occupations for the first time and electricians were twice as likely as labourers to be blacklisted. Union officials believe they were targeted for being most likely to raise health and safety concerns on dangerous construction sites. The union is demanding a full public inquiry into the scandal of blacklisting and the 3,213-name list of construction workers, which was used to vet job applicants who were denied employment for union activity or raising health and safety issues.” – Mirror
Other highlights
- Don’t go to war with Iran (even if they get the bomb) – Jack Straw, Telegraph
- Cameron on frustration with Clegg – Express
- The Lib Dems’ identity crisis just got a lot more critical – Rafael Behr, New Statesman
- Eastleigh byelection should be about economics – not gropings or smears – Polly Toynbee, Guardian
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