Can the Lib Dems continue on their successful streak?
The Independent|September 17, 2024
True to recent election stunt form, Ed Davey turned up to the Liberal Democrat conference on a jetski, presumably because Elon Musk couldn’t lend him a rocket for the occasion.
- SEAN O'GRADY
Can the Lib Dems continue on their successful streak?

Energetic and attention-grabbing as the leader’s speedy entrance was, the last few days of earnest debate haven’t seen the party raise its profile very much. Indeed, even with its stunning tactical success in the general election, which yielded 72 parliamentary seats – a gain of 61 on the 2019 result – the party hasn’t made much progress since. Some wonder where the Liberal Democrats go from here...

What are the Lib Dems for?

They always used to say that if they didn’t exist, someone would have to invent them, because for a long period they were the only party consistently advocating membership of the European Union (and its forerunners), civil liberties, electoral reform and the environment. They also happened to be the natural, default home for a protest vote, especially during unpopular Tory governments. But nowadays, the party has some formidable competition in all of these areas.

The 2010-15 coalition government, dominated by the Conservatives, wreaked enormous electoral damage, from which it has only just begun to make a significant recovery – the words “tuition fees” will still produce a wince in Liberal Democrat circles. The Greens have obviously monopolised the environmental agenda, while Reform UK and a new wave of proPalestine/leftist independents have mopped up a portion of the protest vote. All of the smaller parties want electoral reform.

この蚘事は The Independent の September 17, 2024 版に掲茉されおいたす。

7 日間の Magzter GOLD 無料トラむアルを開始しお、䜕千もの厳遞されたプレミアム ストヌリヌ、9,000 以䞊の雑誌や新聞にアクセスしおください。

この蚘事は The Independent の September 17, 2024 版に掲茉されおいたす。

7 日間の Magzter GOLD 無料トラむアルを開始しお、䜕千もの厳遞されたプレミアム ストヌリヌ、9,000 以䞊の雑誌や新聞にアクセスしおください。

THE INDEPENDENTのその他の蚘事すべお衚瀺
The Extremism Of Trump's Pick For Intelligence Chief
The Independent

The Extremism Of Trump's Pick For Intelligence Chief

Tulsi Gabbard made the journey from anti-war Democrat to Moscow-friendly Maga warrior. Rich Hall looks at how

time-read
9 分  |
November 25, 2024
Will Labour Party Mps Get Behind Pm's Welfare Blitz?
The Independent

Will Labour Party Mps Get Behind Pm's Welfare Blitz?

Labour's blitz on benefits comes with some eye-catching language from the prime minister, announced in The Mail on Sunday. He has warned of Britain's "bulging benefits bill blighting our society" as he vows to cut the £137bn cost.

time-read
2 分  |
November 25, 2024
England hammer Japan to end vexing autumn on high
The Independent

England hammer Japan to end vexing autumn on high

After a November of frets and frustration came a chance for fun and frolics for England.

time-read
4 分  |
November 25, 2024
Verstappen pulls up next to F1 elite with his fourth title
The Independent

Verstappen pulls up next to F1 elite with his fourth title

Dutch driver seals championship under lights of Las Vegas

time-read
3 分  |
November 25, 2024
Treasure's chest! Salah stars for Reds in comeback win
The Independent

Treasure's chest! Salah stars for Reds in comeback win

Liverpool moved eight points clear at the top of the Premier League yesterday as Mohamed Salah scored twice to help them come from behind to beat Southampton 3-2 at St Mary’s.

time-read
2 分  |
November 25, 2024
Amorim kicks-off United role with lacklustre draw
The Independent

Amorim kicks-off United role with lacklustre draw

Ruben Amorim can at least remind himself that Manchester United’s best managers have had worse starts.

time-read
4 分  |
November 25, 2024
Have I got time to get a new passport for trip to Europe?
The Independent

Have I got time to get a new passport for trip to Europe?

Q My passport expires in July 2025. Is the Passport Office doing renewals quickly these days? If not, when is the best time? I intend to go to Europe before March.

time-read
1 min  |
November 25, 2024
Far-right populist leads in Romanian presidential vote
The Independent

Far-right populist leads in Romanian presidential vote

A far-right populist took the lead in Romania's presidential election yesterday and will probably face leftist prime minister Marcel Ciolacu in a runoff in two weeks, an outcome that rocked the country's political landscape.

time-read
3 分  |
November 25, 2024
Three held after prominent Israeli rabbi killed in Dubai
The Independent

Three held after prominent Israeli rabbi killed in Dubai

Emirati police question men as Iran denies any involvement

time-read
2 分  |
November 25, 2024
Lab test monkeys are flown to UK 'injured and terrified'
The Independent

Lab test monkeys are flown to UK 'injured and terrified'

Monkeys flown into the UK for laboratory testing were so badly injured that their crates were smeared with blood, photographs suggest.

time-read
3 分  |
November 25, 2024