A Christian parliamentary candidate who was removed from standing for parliament because of his faith has secured a significant legal victory, after the Liberal Democrats admitted religious discrimination in court.
David Campanale, a former BBC journalist and long-standing party member, was selected in 2021 as the Liberal Democrat candidate for Sutton and Cheam. However, he was removed just months later following internal pressure, driven by hostility towards his Christian beliefs including his opposition to abortion and assisted suicide.
After a four-year legal battle, the party has now accepted that Campanale was subjected to both direct and indirect discrimination, as well as harassment, under the Equality Act 2010. He is expected to receive substantial damages, reportedly exceeding £250,000.
Campanale described the experience as deeply troubling, particularly given his long involvement in politics. While he said he was accustomed to political disagreement, he drew a clear distinction between robust debate and what he called “religiously aggravated harassment.”
According to his account, concerns were raised by a small group of local activists shortly after his selection. Although formal complaints against him were dismissed, he said he was subjected to repeated questioning about his faith and beliefs, including what his legal team compared to a “Spanish inquisition.”
He also described a meeting where he was allegedly challenged and mocked by dozens of party members, and said some activists refused to campaign alongside him. In one instance, he claimed individuals asked to be warned of his presence so they could avoid encountering him.
At the centre of the dispute were Campanale’s Christian convictions, particularly his pro-life stance and opposition to assisted suicide. He said these views were treated as unacceptable within sections of the local party, despite the Liberal Democrats historically including members of faith.
His eventual removal as candidate in 2023 was officially justified on the basis that he had lost the confidence of local members. However, Campanale maintains that the real issue was pressure to distance himself from his beliefs, something he refused to do.
“I will not sacrifice or trade my conscience for anything,” he said, adding that he was not bitter about the outcome, even though it cost him the opportunity to stand for Parliament.
A Liberal Democrat spokesperson said the case is ongoing and declined to comment in detail, but the party has formally acknowledged the discrimination claim as part of the legal proceedings.
SPUC Executive Director, Michael Robinson, says: “Political parties often emphasise diversity and inclusion, but Campanale’s case highlights the fact that that rarely extends towards those with deeply held religious beliefs.
“We are glad to see Mr Campanale being vindicated, but would like more than just a legal settlement. We would like to see an apology from the Liberal Democrats and more liberty for some of their great pro-life MPs and Peers.”
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