The Liberal Democrats and the Liberal Democrats in England (sued through their representatives Dr Mark Pack and Ms Alison Rouse) have now admitted all the claims brought against them by our client Ms Natalie Bird.
Our Employment Law partner, Elliot Hammer, is pleased to announce that Ms Bird was successful in her claims against the Liberal Democrats and the Liberal Democrats in England. Those claims include:
Direct Discrimination because of her gender critical beliefs, Indirect Discrimination, Victimisation and breach of contract, some examples below:
Breach of Contract
1.Subjecting her to Disciplinary Proceedings, suspension and sanctions on the basis of a protected characteristic under the Equality Act 2010;
2. Acting irrationally and / or contrary to natural justice in failing to address substantively or investigate Natalie’s complaint of 19 February 2019;
3. Removal of investigator in July 2020 without good cause;
4. Suspended Natalie for a period of over 17 months.
Direct Discrimination because of gender critical beliefs
5. An investigation report into Natalie dated 18 May 2018;
6. Suspending Natalie in December 2018;
7. Her ongoing suspension for a period of over 18 months;
8. Removing Natalie as prospective parliamentary candidate for Wakefield in September 2019;
9. Subjecting Natalie to severe sanctions imposed at the October 2019 disciplinary hearing;
10. Failing to respond to or hear Natalie’s appeal since November 2019;
11. Failing or refusing to investigate Natalie’s complaints of bullying and harassment by those bringing complaints against her;
12. Suspending her in May 2020;
13. Deciding to refer seven complaints against Natalie to an expedited Complaints Panel;
14. Removing the Investigator into complaints against Natalie in July 2020.
The Liberal Democrats denied the claims from 28 February 2022 until the Pre-Trial Review hearing on 22 July 2024 when they admitted all of the claims. There remains a damages assessment hearing set down for 20 and 21 August 2024 in the County Court at Central London.
Our Elliot Hammer has represented Natalie Bird since the issue of her claim. Elliot said:
“This is a very important case for our client who was the Liberal Democrats’ prospective parliamentary candidate in Wakefield in 2018 – 2019. It is also very important for those who have gender critical views in political parties and who are fearful of expressing them. Natalie’s case confirms that they have protection under the law.”
For further information on the issues raised, please contact Mr Elliot Hammer (Head of Employment) at eh@branchaustinmccormick.com
32 St James’s Street
London
SW1A 1HD
