A former MP for Stoke-on-Trent South has revealed that he plans to sue the Liberal Democrats, alleging that he was deselected over his pro-life and pro-marriage views.
Rob Flello – who previously held the seat for twelve years for Labour – was removed just hours after announcing his candidacy.
Mr Flello has issued legal proceedings against the party for discriminating against his religious beliefs.
Religious views
Announcing the deselection in November, the Liberal Democrats claimed Flello’s values ‘greatly diverged’ from those of the party.
It was reported that this related to his views on same-sex marriage and abortion.
Mr Flello says he is taking legal action to “defend both democracy and the right of people to hold a religious view”.
A spokesman for the Lib Dems responded: “By directly associating himself with comments and causes Mr Flello put himself outside the standards we would expect for a Liberal Democrat candidate.”
‘Blatant breach’
Mr Flello’s solicitor, Paul Conrathe, described it as a “blatant breach” of the Equality Act.
In 2017, a ComRes poll showed a clear majority of people support the right of politicians with traditional views to express them.