Liberal democratic party D66 has started an investigation following allegations of sexual intimidation made against a senior official.

The claims, which date back several years, were made in an anonymous blog by a women who writes about influential party members targeting interns and ambitious female members. In particular the blog focuses on Frans van Drimmelen, a powerful party lobbyist and former chairman of a D66 committee set up to promote political talent.

The writer claims the party leadership was aware of his reputation but failed to act.

New leader Sigrid Kaag said in a statement she had asked the party’s management to set up an external and independent inquiry. ‘The fact that this happened years ago makes no difference to me,’ she said.

Kaag said she hoped the writer would come forward to tell her story to the investigators. ‘I am calling both on her and on everyone involved and who is prepared to speak,’ she said.

Van Drimmelen said in a reaction that he did not recognise himself in the description of what happened or the insinuations. It is only right that the party explores the claims carefully and he said he had full confidence in the outcome.