This article is from the source 'bbc' and was first published or seen on . It last changed over 40 days ago and won't be checked again for changes.
You can find the current article at its original source at http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-30592072
The article has changed 4 times. There is an RSS feed of changes available.
Version 0 | Version 1 |
---|---|
UKIP's Roger Bird to quit general secretary post | |
(35 minutes later) | |
UKIP has cleared its general secretary Roger Bird after a sexual harassment allegation but says he will leave his post early by mutual consent. | |
Mr Bird had faced a disciplinary hearing over his relations with former party candidate Natasha Bolter. | |
In a statement, UKIP said it found "no evidence to support the allegation". | |
It added that Mr Bird, who had been suspended on full pay, would leave his job due to the "unfortunate publicity" surrounding Ms Bolter's complaint. | |
Ms Bolter accused Mr Bird of propositioning her after he oversaw her completion of an exam for prospective candidates. | |
He denied that version of events, claiming he had a "consensual relationship" with her. | |
'Keen supporter' | |
A disciplinary hearing was held earlier this month. UKIP said an independent HR consultancy had handled the inquiry. | |
The party said it accepted Mr Bird's statement that the relationship was consensual and agreed his actions "did not compromise the integrity of its candidate selection process". | |
It added: "Given the unfortunate publicity stimulated by media speculation, it has been mutually agreed to bring Mr Bird's fixed-term contract of employment to an earlier conclusion. The party would like to thank Mr Bird for his contribution and valued service over the past five months." | |
Mr Bird said: "I am very glad that the party has investigated and dismissed the allegations of sexual harassment and any impropriety regarding the selection of Ms Bolter as a candidate. | |
"I wish UKIP every success in the election campaign. I remain a member and keen supporter of the party and I will continue to make every effort to help our candidates to victory in May." | |
BBC political correspondent Ross Hawkins said it would be fascinating to know what Ms Bolter made of the outcome. | |
He added that the "big political question" would be whether the "internal allegations and wrangling" would damage UKIP's general election prospects. |