A police investigation into claims of sexual harassment in the highest echelons of the Liberal Democrats has ruled there is insufficient evidence to support a prosecution.
Channel 4 News was the first to reveal the claims of sexual harassment in February this year.
A number of women had accused Lord Rennard of abusing his position as chief executive by inappropriately touching and propositioning them.
Lord Rennard said the claims had been “harrowing and deeply unpleasant” and he is “not surprised” that he will face no criminal charges.
He added: “I am enormously thankful for the unfailing support I have received from people across the political spectrum but especially those within the Liberal Democrats who have stood by me throughout.
“My life’s work has been to support good people and good causes. I hope now to be able to continue doing that.”
One of the women tonight told Channel 4 News she was “disappointed” with the outcome, but that she hoped the internal Liberal Democrat investigation will now be thorough.
The Lib Dems immediately announced that the ending of the police inquiry meant that its own disciplinary process, led by Alistair Webster QC, could now resume.
“We consider the allegations made against Lord Rennard, which he strenuously denies, to be extremely serious and we can now continue with our internal inquiry into these allegations,” a spokesman said.
“We would encourage anyone who has information that could be relevant to the inquiry to get in touch.”
The claims relate to allegations by a number of women activists that the peer – who was a highly influential figure in Lib Dem circles – had exploited his position to make unwanted sexual advances and touch them inappropriately.
Earlier this year, Deputy Prime Minister Nick Clegg and two other Lib Dem ministers – Danny Alexander and Jo Swinson – were sharply criticised in a review of the party’s handling of their complaints.