The Liberal Democrats are gathering in Brighton for their autumn conference, and the mood is one of jubilance. After years of being pulverised in coalition with the Conservatives, the party is back with 72 MPs and achieved its best performance since its establishment in 1988. There is talk among senior figures of “finishing the job” by chipping away at what was once thought to be impermeable Tory territory.
The new MPs are still finding their feet and their voice, while party leader Sir Ed Davey revels in his new-found prominence. There will be plenty of celebration at the conference, as well an attempt to cement the party’s reputation as the “party of hope”. Sir Ed hopes to capitalise on a gap in the political market for those who desire a positive tone, as well as consolidating the party’s platform of transparency and clarity on the NHS and social care.
There are questions, however, about Liberal Democrat success and effectiveness. They will have to find a way to impact change under a Labour government with an imperious majority. Additionally, there is the question of how long they can resist talking about Brexit, which they avoided discussing during the election campaign. Despite these challenges, the party is relishing its newfound success after years of near-irrelevance and is determined to make the most of the moment.
The political landscape in the UK is volatile, with the country’s four largest parties experiencing dramatic highs and lows in recent years. However, for now, the Liberal Democrats are smiling, enjoying their success, and looking ahead to the next general election
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