The 2015 election decisively ended the Liberal Democrats’ participation in government. Did what the party achieved in coalition between 2010 and 2015 justify the damage? Could the party have managed coalition better? The meeting marks the publication of the autumn Journal of Liberal History, a special issue on the policy record of the coalition.
Speakers: David Laws (Minister for Schools, 2012-15), Chris Huhne (Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change, 2010-12), Akash Paun (Institute for Government).
Chair: Jo Swinson (Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Employment Relations, Consumer and Poster Affairs, 2012-15).
This year, 2013, marks the twenty-fifth anniversary of the Liberal Democrats. From near-annihilation to entry into government, the years since 1988 have been a roller-coaster ride for the party.
Discuss which factors were important in the survival and success of the Liberal Democrats, and speculate about the future, with:
Duncan Brack (Editor, Journal of Liberal History): on leadership and policy
Mark Pack (Liberal Democrats online campaign manager, 2001 and 2005): on campaigns
John Curtice (Professor Politics, Strathclyde University): who votes for the Liberal Democrats?
Cllr Julie Smith (Vice Chair, Lib Dem Policy Committee): on the impact of coalition
Chair: Paddy Ashdown (Chair, 2015 general election campaign)
A Liberal Democrat History Group fringe meeting
(note this is outside the conference secure area no passes necessary)