NO ACTION ON STEEL OVER CYRIL SMITH

A PARTY investigation has determined there are “no grounds for action” against former Liberal leader Lord Steel.

He had been suspended by the Liberal Democrats following comments he made to an inquiry regarding child abuse allegations against former MP Sir Cyril Smith.

Scottish Liberal Democrat leader Willie Rennie said that the party executive had “determined, after careful consideration, that there are no grounds for action against David Steel”.

Lord Steel (above right) said: “I am naturally pleased and relieved the executive of the Scottish Liberal Democrats has completed their investigation and, after fully considering my responses to questions at IICSA, has lifted my suspension from the party and cleared my name.”

Difficult

Lord Steel gave evidence to the Independent Inquiry into Child Sexual Abuse in March this year – telling the probe a conversation with Cyril Smith (below right) left him “assuming” the allegations were correct, but that the party did not investigate them.

Mr Rennie said that Lord Steel had provided clarifications which “state clearly that Cyril Smith did not confess to any criminality, which is why he took no further action at the time”.

Mr Rennie added: “David Steel’s national and international reputation is beyond doubt and this has been a difficult matter for us to consider, but it is important for everyone to understand that the Liberal Democrats will always investigate such serious matters.”