Lib Dems have ‘cancel culture’

A Liberal Democrat parliamentary candidate in South London is facing de-selection because of his Christian beliefs.

David Campanale, an Anglican evangelical, was selected overwhelmingly in January to fight the seat at Sutton and Cheam, but his candidacy appeared to be hanging by a thread at the time of writing.

A BBC journalist for more than 30 years and a former Tearfund director, Campanale has spoken out about alleged bullying. He told Premier Christianity that he was subjected to harassment and hostility when hauled before a ‘lynch mob’ of around 30 party activists, who interrogated him for two hours about his Christian views.

He said: ‘I was asked beforehand: “Are you ready for the Spanish Inquisition?” While I was there, people were mocking me saying: “I suppose you think you’re being persecuted, like Jesus was”.’

Campanale described it as ‘cancel culture in practice’ because of his deeply-held Christian beliefs. He said: ‘I will not surrender my conscience as a Bible-believing Christian, I will not surrender my conscience on matters that are protected in Parliament.’ He is now considering taking legal action for bullying, harassment and victimisation.

In 2017, Tim Farron MP, an evangelical Christian, was forced to resign as Lib Dem party leader after conflicts between his faith and politics.