1988-2010
-
Elections 2007
Analysis of the outcomes of the local, Scottish and Welsh elections of May 2007. What do they mean for the Liberal Democrats?
-
The 2001 election
Examination of the Liberal Democrat performance in the election of 7 June 2001, with lessons for the party’s future strategy.
-
Local history: Epsom & Ewell Social Democrats
David Gourley on joining the SDP in 1981 and working with the Liberals through the Alliance and merger.
-
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.
-
Merger and aftermath: 1987-89
Original cartoons from the Social Democrat illustrate the wrangles over merger and the eclipse of the Owenite Continuing SDP.
-
The growth of Liberal International
The development of global cooperation between Liberal parties.
-
Fourth party, fifth column?
The medium-term impact of the continuing SDP.
-
The Liberal Democrats
The merger of the Liberals and the SDP was finally completed on 3 March 1988, when the new Social & Liberal Democrats (SLD) was formally launched following a majority vote by the memberships of both parties.
-
‘Dead Parrot’ document
The 'Dead Parrot' became the nickname of the policy document due to be issued, alongside the new party's constitution, at the successful culmination of merger negotiations between the SDP and the Liberals. In fact it proved a disaster, nearly upsetting the whole merger process, after its controversial contents were disowned by Liberal MPs and activists…