1976-1988
Shirley Williams (Lady Williams), 1930-2021
As the by-election car cavalcade drove slowly through a council estate in Warrington, Shirley Williams, microphone in hand, was drumming up support for SDP candidate Roy Jenkins. Standing precariously on the front seat, her head and shoulders poking through the sun-roof, Williams was in her element. As she passed a broken-down car, its grease-stained owner…
Labour’s right wing
Review of Stephen Meredith, Labours Old and New: The Parliamentary Right of the British Labour Party 1970-79 and the Roots of New Labour (Manchester University Press, 2008).
Alliance, Liberals and the SDP
1971 – 1985: the Alliance Party of Northern Ireland was born in the midst of the Troubles, in April 1970. This article looks back at the party’s history and its relationships with the Liberal Party and the SDP.
Holding the balance
The record of the Liberal Party in hung parliaments in 1924, 1929-31 and 1977-78.
Alliance defence policy: Eastbourne and after
In the autumn of 1986, the Alliance faced one of its biggest challenges when the Liberals passed a motion at their annual assembly, rejecting the leadership's defence policy.
Local history: Epsom & Ewell Social Democrats
David Gourley on joining the SDP in 1981 and working with the Liberals through the Alliance and merger.
The growth of Liberal International
The development of global cooperation between Liberal parties.
Liberals and local government in London since the 1970s
Report of meeting of 4 February 2008, with Cllr Sir David Williams and Mike Tuffrey GLA.
The yellow glass ceiling: the mystery of the disappearing Liberal women MPs
Only six women ever sat as Liberal MPs, and most only for very short periods. This article examines why.