-
The Lib Dem Leadership Post-Brexit
On Thursday night, two devastating political realities emerged for the Liberal Democrats. First, we had lost our leader, Jo Swinson, far too early. In office for just 144 days, Jo’s premiership was dominated by the unexpected: defections, prorogation, membership surges and finally, a Brexit election. The second reality is that Britain will leave the European…
-
Letter to THE NEW EUROPEAN – 29/11/19
Click below to read my letter to The New European, dated 29 November 2019. The need to strengthen our message on citizenship and what it should mean to be a British citizen today…
-
WHAT TO LOOK OUT FOR ON ELECTION NIGHT 2019
Historic Conservative targets – Sedgefield and Bolsover Should Sedgefield and Bolsover flip tomorrow night, it would represent a historic loss for the Labour Party. Sedgefield, once the home of Tony Blair from 1983 to 2007, could reject Labour for the first time in eighty four years. Coupled with the possibility of losing…
-
Tonight’s PM Debate. A Guide.
At 20:00pm, for ninety minutes, Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn and Conservative leader Boris Johnson will face a live studio audience as they will set out why they should be the next Prime Minister after the 12 December poll. Following an unsuccessful high court bid, the Liberal Democrats and SNP will not be represented on the…
-
To Win Big At This Election, the Lib Dems Must Focus on the Renewal of Citizenship
At election time, the party with the strongest narrative wins. It must be personal, appeal to a wide demographic and relate to a voter’s daily life and sphere of existence. I believe the best political narrative for the Liberal Democrats in this election is one based on personal empowerment and giving people the skills and…
-
Liberal Democrat Party President – Yorkshire Region Hustings
On Friday 25th October, I attended the Yorkshire hustings for the Liberal Democrat presidential election 2019. Both Mark Pack and Christine Jardine were present. Although both offer a radically different vision for the party and for the role of its president, they share a will for major reform. In Christine’s pitch, she emphasised the need…
-
(Part 2) Liberal Democrat Conference 2019 – Bournemouth
Below is a summary of the second half of my time at the Lib Dem conference in Bournemouth. On Monday morning (16th), the conference floor debated climate change and biodiversity. The session concluded with a speech by deputy leader and Shadow Chancellor Sir Ed Davey MP, who set out his plan to ‘decarbonise capitalism’ by…
-
Liberal Democrat Conference 2019 – Bournemouth
As we approach the mid-point of the Liberal Democrat Party conference in Bournemouth, I thought I’d post an update on my time so far. I first joined the Lib Dems in May this year, having spent nine years as a member and supporter of the Labour Party. With over 5,000 attendees, this conference is certainly…
-
What Next for the Liberal Democrats?
As Vince Cable prepares to step down as leader, what next for the Liberal Democrats? As another Conservative prime minister has fallen to Europe, fellow Conservative MPs are already queuing up for what should be the most unpopular job in Britain. As the Lib Dems see their own leader depart (albeit in a more orderly…
-
Labour’s Answer: A ‘People’s Vote’ for party members
Labour Party members should be given a vote in an internal Brexit referendum before MPs vote on another proposed deal from Prime Minister Theresa May. The ballot would ask: “Should the Parliamentary Labour Party support Britain’s exit from the EU?” Yes (Leave) No (Remain) An internal party poll would be better than a…
Tom P. J. Parkin 