Russell Brand rape conviction must be ‘wake-up call’, says culture secretary

Lisa Nandy calls for whistleblowers to be protected and highlights bravery of women who came forward in case

Lisa Nandy, the culture secretary, has warned that Russell Brand’s conviction for rape and sexual assault must be a “wake-up call” to the media world and beyond, after widespread concerns over the failures to confront his behaviour.

With renewed calls from TV insiders for a new examination of how Brand’s treatment of women was tolerated for so long, Nandy said the case was a “defining moment for our country”.