Liberal Democrats investigate member accused of groping woman at party conference

The Liberal Democrats are investigating a member accused of groping a woman at the party's annual conference after police said no further action would be taken.

On the final night of the party's autumn meeting, when activists sing political parodies of popular songs at the traditional Glee Club celebration, a man is said to have touched a young woman's bottom at the Grand Hotel in Brighton around midnight on Tuesday.

The party confirmed the suspension of the accused 57-year-old member and 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 its investigation had been completed, including review of CCTV footage and witness statements.

Police added that they had contacted the complainant and questioned the man before deciding to release him without further action.

Inspector Dan Eagle said: “Sussex Police is committed to investigating reports of sexual assault and violence against women and girls.

“Officers have taken vigorous action in investigating this incident. The incident has been closed pending further information coming to light.”

A Liberal Democrat statement said: “We were appalled to hear of this incident and supported police in quickly identifying and arresting this man.

“He remains suspended from the party and this case will now be reviewed under our independent complaints process.”

The conference was the party's first meeting since its most successful parliamentary election, in which it won 72 MPs.

Liberal Democrat leader Sir Ed Davey arrived at the gathering on a jet ski on Saturday morning before carrying out a series of publicity stunts criticising the Conservatives and Labour governments.