Deselected candidate claims Lib Dems’ religious discrimination cost him £790,000

David Campanale, a former BBC journalist and former Liberal Democrat candidate, has filed a civil lawsuit against the party, claiming that religious discrimination cost him £788,740.75 in losses. The case is currently before the Central London County Court, where both parties have presented conflicting estimates of the financial impact of the alleged discrimination. Campanale was selected as the Liberal Democrats' candidate for Sutton and Cheam in 2021 but was deselected in August 2023. His claim alleges that the party discriminated against him on grounds of religion or belief, violating the Equality Act. According to Campanale's schedule of loss, the total includes injury to feelings, aggravated damages, lost earnings, the loss of an MP’s pension, counselling costs, and the “loss of a chance,” or “loss of political capital.” The figure includes interest and totals £788,740.75. In response, the Liberal Democrats submitted a counter-schedule, describing Campanale’s claim as “grossly inflated and egregious.” Their legal team argues that £14,000 should be awarded for injury to feelings, and they assert that as a volunteer political party member, Campanale should have been prepared to endure “rigorous political debate and criticism.” They put aggravated damages, past and future loss of earnings, an MP’s pension, and the loss of political capital at £0. Campanale alleges that he was subjected to mockery and abuse due to his Christian beliefs and faced an organized campaign to remove him from the candidacy. At a meeting in January 2022, he claims he was questioned about his Christianity by around 30 individuals, who asked whether he was enjoying his “martyrdom just like Jesus did.” He also asserts that he was excluded from election leaflets and instructed not to campaign in certain wards due to disagreement among activists regarding his beliefs. In a phone call in March 2022, Campanale claims that his replacement, Luke Taylor, informed him that he had no right to a conscience based on his faith and that a “secular party” was being built with no place for Christians. After Campanale was removed, Taylor won the seat with a majority of 3,801. The constituency has since become more secure for the Liberal Democrats, with recent polling indicating the party is well ahead of the Conservatives. The case has drawn criticism from within and beyond the Liberal Democrats. Former leader Tim Farron and former deputy leader Simon Hughes have called for an independent inquiry into the allegations. Farron has urged the party to issue an apology, stating that there was “manifest discrimination” against Campanale and that party figures at all levels failed to intervene. Former Archbishop of Canterbury Rowan Williams has expressed concern over the party’s stance, warning that it could make it “impossible” for Christians and others with strong religious beliefs to represent the party. Before admitting the claims, the Liberal Democrats stated that they could deselect candidates whose expressions of religious beliefs conflicted with the party’s policies or values. They also noted that the era associated with prominent Christian Liberal Democrats such as Shirley Williams and Charles Kennedy was over. A Lib Dem spokesperson commented prior to the submission of the counter-schedule, noting that the case is ongoing and thus comments would not be appropriate. The spokesperson emphasized that the party welcomes members of all faiths and none, including many Christians. They pointed out that three Liberal Democrat MPs in neighboring constituations to Sutton and Cheam are practicing Christians, including party leader Ed Davey.