Nick Clegg has insisted he will not back down on his demands for Lord Rennard to apologise to women who made allegations about his behaviour. The party's former chief executive has launched legal action to block a second internal inquiry.
Lib Dem MEP Chris Davies has sparked controversy by claiming the media portrayal of Lord Rennard has been like the "Salem witch trials," adding that "this isn't Jimmy Savile."
Speaking on BBC Radio 4's Westminster Hour, Mr Davies said:
Mr Davies also questioned leader Nick Clegg's stance over the allegations.
Former Liberal leader Lord Steel has told ITV News the party is in an "awful mess" over the Rennard row and it needs "to get a grip" of it.
Lord Rennard has threatened to take legal action after being suspended for refusing to apologise over sexual harassment allegations.