1988-2010
Robert Maclennan (Lord Maclennan), 1936-2020
When Robert (Bob) Maclennan was first elected President of the Liberal Democrats in the summer of 1994, few realised just how much this seemingly self-effacing politician would come to represent so completely the ethos and values of the Liberal Democrats. Still fewer would realise quite how hard he fought for those values. It is characteristic…
David Steel (Lord Steel), 1938-
With the exception of H. H. Asquith, David (now Lord) Steel has been the longest serving leader of the Liberal Party. During his twelve-year tenure of the leadership, the party enjoyed the highest share of the popular vote cast for a third party in half a century and won more seats in Parliament and in…
Survival and success: twenty-five years of the Liberal Democrats
Report of a Liberal Democrat Conference fringe meeting, September 2013, with Paddy Ashdown, Duncan Brack, John Curtice, Mark Pack and Julie Smith.
Survival and success: the first 25 years of the Liberal Democrats
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…