Lib Dem quits over sex claim
A SHROPSHIRE Lib Dem candidate has withdrawn from the General Election battle after a police probe was launched into an allegation of sex abuse. A SHROPSHIRE Lib Dem candidate has withdrawn from the General Election battle after a police probe was launched into an allegation of sex abuse. David Murray, of Ashgrove, Albrighton, near Shifnal, withdrew as the candidate for The Wrekin on advice of party bosses. Liberal Democrat leader Nick Clegg said the allegations faced by Mr Murray were "serious" but the candidate had done the right thing by standing down. Speaking to reporters in Northampton, he said: "I take these allegations very very seriously. "I think the right thing has been done, the candidate has stood down and it's now in the hands of the police. "The allegations are serious but I can't tell you where they have come from. It's now very much for the police to do the job that only they can do." Asked whether it would damage his party's image, he said: "Of course it is self-evidently not a good thing when a candidate has to face serious allegations. "But I think in this case, the candidate has done the right thing and stood down immediately." Read the full story in today's Shropshire Star
David Murray, of Ashgrove, Albrighton, near Shifnal, withdrew as the candidate for The Wrekin on advice of party bosses.
The inquiry into the 71-year-old relates to a complaint received by police into an allegation of "historical sexual abuse".
Lib Dem officials confirmed Mr Murray's withdrawal and moved quickly to select a replacement who was named today as Alyson Cameron-Daw.
Mr Murray, 71, a member of Shifnal Town Council as well as Donington with Boscobel, Boningale and Tong Parish Councils, was today unavailable for comment.
Maria Hawkaluk, West Mercia Police spokeswoman, said: "Police have received a complaint regarding an allegation of historical sexual abuse. The investigation is in its very early stages."
A spokesman for the Liberal Democrats in London said: "Mr Murray, on the advice of the party, has withdrawn as the candidate in the forthcoming election.
"We are unable to comment further due to an ongoing police investigation."
Party stalwart Mr Murray was last month approved by Telford & Wrekin's Lib Dems to contest The Wrekin seat currently held by Conservative Mark Pritchard.
He is treasurer of the Wrekin & Telford Liberal Democrats and was elected to the Shropshire Association of Local Councils Executive and Lib Dem Regional Executive in 2008.
He was elected to Shifnal Town Council in a by-election on February 4 this year.
Mr Murray moved to the West Midlands to work for GKN in 1986 and was first elected to public office in 1970. He was a Bridgnorth district councillor from 2003-09.
Mrs Irene Evans, chairman of Wrekin and Telford Liberal Democrats, said: "I was informed by central office that Mr Murray had withdrawn.
"I have never been in this position before and so am having to take advice and the party nationally comes in to act in these situations."
Liberal Democrat leader Nick Clegg said the allegations faced by Mr Murray were "serious" but the candidate had done the right thing by standing down.
Speaking to reporters in Northampton, he said: "I take these allegations very very seriously.
"I think the right thing has been done, the candidate has stood down and it's now in the hands of the police.
"The allegations are serious but I can't tell you where they have come from. It's now very much for the police to do the job that only they can do."
Asked whether it would damage his party's image, he said: "Of course it is self-evidently not a good thing when a candidate has to face serious allegations.
"But I think in this case, the candidate has done the right thing and stood down immediately."
By Simon Hardy
