Rennard accuser 'knows of nine others'

A woman who says that Lord Rennard made improper advances to her has told the BBC that she knows of nine others who claim to have had similar experiences.

She has also criticised the party and its leader Nick Clegg for not handling the issue well.

Lib Dem officials are meeting police officers today to establish whether any criminal activity had taken place. Susan - who does not want her last name used for fear of media intrusion - told the World At One programme that she welcomed police involvement in the investigation.

After a career as a county councillor, she decided she wanted to become a Lib Dem MP and attended a special training conference at a hotel in Peterborough in 2008.

This is Susan's first broadcast interview in her own words since the story broke on Channel Four News - when her remarks were voiced by an actress.

The BBC asked to speak to Lord Rennard, who strenuously denies the allegations, but was told he was not giving interviews. It also asked through Liberal Democrat headquarters to speak to Nick Clegg, Jonny Oates, Jo Swinson, Norman Lamb and Baroness Scott. But it was told that no-one would be available for an interview and that the independent inquiry they had set up was the proper place for the allegations to be considered.