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.
Bu hikaye The Independent dergisinin September 17, 2024 sayısından alınmıştır.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Giriş Yap
Bu hikaye The Independent dergisinin September 17, 2024 sayısından alınmıştır.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Giriş Yap
Saudi revolution rolls on with Wembley showdown
It has cost a billion dollars, taken just 11 months, and this Saturday in front of 96,000, the boxing revolution will continue at Wembley Stadium. Last October, a boxing ring appeared from a depth of 26ft inside a black hole in the middle of the Kingdom Arena in Riyadh, the Saudi Arabian capital: the new capital of boxing. The ring was for Tyson Fury and Francis Ngannou; the best two men in their respective sports, boxing and mixed martial arts. It was the launch of the boxing revolution.
Salvatore Schillaci, star of Italia '90, dies aged 59
Salvatore \"Toto\" Schillaci, an icon of Italian football and the top scorer at the 1990 World Cup, has died at the age of 59.
Tweaks could net Arsenal a Champions League trophy
In some of the difficult early seasons in north London, and even when things started to pick up and there was interest elsewhere, there was a particular motivation that drove Mikel Arteta.
City's riveting draw shows new league format has legs.
If the revamped Champions League was supposed to inject the competition with more drama, perhaps Uefa could still savour the scoreline in a stalemate.
Pelicot tells court rape suspects are 'degenerates'
The woman at the centre of the Monster of Avignon multiple rape trial accused her attackers of being “degenerates” as she gave evidence yesterday.
Casualties pass 1 million in Putin's war against Ukraine
The combined number of casualties on both sides in Russia's war against Ukraine has reached the ghastly one million mark, according to a media report. The tally of deaths in Europe's largest conflict since the Second World War rapidly overtook the estimated 140,000 that resulted from the wars in the former Yugoslavia in the 1990s, and continues to mushroom.
Attack on Russian weapons store triggers massive blast
Ukrainian drone strike picked up by earthquake monitors
Train drivers accept pay deal to end strike action
Two years of misery caused by strike action for rail passengers has come to an end following a breakthrough in negotiations over drivers' pay.
Mother found Letby with crying baby, inquiry hears
A mother spoke emotionally as she described the moment she found Lucy Letby with her premature baby, crying and with blood around his mouth.
Lib Dems to investigate member accused of groping.woman at party conference
The Liberal Democrats are investigating a member accused of groping a woman at the party’s annual conference after the police said no further action would be taken.