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Liberal Democrats sexual harassment mess

(35 Posts)
JessM Tue 26-Feb-13 07:24:15

Employers are required to have policies and procedures to guide managers in how to deal with allegations of harassment and bullying. These issues need careful handling because the rights of both sides have to be protected. Going to the press of course does not figure - things are dealt with in a confidential manner. Calling the police does not normally figure - unless a violent assault is involved.
Not too much to expect really, that politicians should not have such policies within their own organisations. I always used to say to the managers I worked with "HR policies are there to cover your back! Deviate from them at your peril." So self-interest alone would dictate that they are a good idea.
I think that it is good that these women have spoken out and hope that things can change in future. I wonder who decided to break the news just before the Eastleigh by-election.

GadaboutGran Fri 30-May-14 17:04:28

The 'apology' with so many get out clauses issued by a solicitor makes me feel that these powerful men still just don't get it. Unwanted, inappropriate behaviour will never stop unless women brave enough to come forward & receive the usual vilification do so. There is usually another reason behind the timing of such statements - these are skillful political people.

JessM Fri 30-May-14 19:08:14

Yes the apology does not seem to have worked as far as the wronged parties are concerned does it. Mealy mouthed and insincere apologies rarely work.

goldengirl Fri 30-May-14 20:21:19

They are meant to be pillars of Society. Therefore they should be gentlemen and resign. I was amazed to hear Lord someone or other and David Steele talking in Lord Rennards defence. While there are men like that what hope is there?

POGS Fri 30-May-14 20:59:02

The Lib Dems certainly are in mess aren't they.

Lord Rennard, Lord Oakeshott, Vince Cable, possible 'Cash for Honours', party in -fighting, anhialation in the EU and local council votes. Will Nick Clegg cut the ties and join the EU gravy train, as expected.

I think the timing of Lord Rennard's apologies is what's commonly called 'Kitchen Sink Politics". Chuck everything into the mix now and get it all over and done with, hopefully!

Ana Fri 30-May-14 21:00:44

Someone's obviously leaned on him hard - there was no way he was even admitting he had anything to apologise for a while ago...hmm

POGS Fri 30-May-14 23:39:10

Ana.

Correct.

A good time to try and bury bad news, wait for something bigger to come along to hopefully take the media's eye off the ball.

NanKate Sat 31-May-14 17:03:56

I heard Shirley Williams ( who I have always admired in the past) standing up for Lord Rennard on Radio 4 this morning. She said the sexual harassment had been blown out of all proportion.

Well obviously he left her well alone, but what of the other 4 women he harassed, of which 3 of them do not want his return to the Lib Dems.

Lord Rennard made some kind of a weak apology, but it's only, I believe, that he wants to come back into the fold.

I was very disappointed with her reaction and pleased I am not a Lib Dem.

JessM Sat 31-May-14 22:45:00

Yes I heard that too. It would appear that as far as the grandees of the libdems are concerned Rennard knows where the bodies are buried grin Or at any rate, he's done them all lots of favours.

janeainsworth Sat 31-May-14 23:08:01

I didn't hear the interview, but in SW's autobiography she praised Lord Rennard's organisational and campaigning skills.
That's obviously more important to her and the other grandees than women being treated with dignity and respect.
Given the LibDems' results in last week's elections, you can perhaps see why they might think that, even if you don't agree with them!